by Ty_Bower » Tue Oct 06, 2009 7:59 pm
Take a look at the Adcoms. They're certainly cheap enough in the used market. I'm reasonably happy with my GTP-500 (or is it a GTP-500II?). My only wish would be that it were quieter. I've moved to high efficiency speakers, and while my amplifier is stone quiet, the Adcom adds an ever so slight background hiss. I very seldom use the tuner on mine, but I like the phono preamp and the remote. If I wanted to buy another today, I'd go for either the GFP-710 or the GFP-715.
I've got an extra GTP-450 around. The balance control is a little wonky - right in the center there is a little scratchy spot. Turn it just a hair to either side and all is perfect. I tried to shoot some DeOxit in there, but it's tough to get easy access. I've got the factory remote, but the 450 has no phono inputs. I'll sell it to you for a good price if you're interested.
Here's an old thread where we discussed a couple preamp options, Adcoms included.
http://diytube.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=806
"It's a different experience; the noise occlusion, crisp, clear sound, and defined powerful bass. Strong bass does not corrupt the higher frequencies, giving a very different overall feel of the sound, one that is, in my opinion, quite unique."