Have you thought about an external DAC with volume control? It's too bad your CD player doesn't appear to have a digital output. If it did, you could then upgrade the sound of two components at once. Using a DAC/Preamp could give you some future options for source components as well.

There are quite a few DAC/Preamps in all price ranges, but a limitation of most of them is they don't have an analog input, and if they do, it might be limited to only 1, or maybe 2 analog inputs. Currently the Emotiva XDA-1 DAC is on sale for $199 which is a great value, but no analog input, so you would have to have a CDP with a digital output . Emotiva also has a sale right now on a straight preamp with phono input, the USP-1 for $381. The NAD C 165BEE Preamp also comes to mind, though it's not very cheap. It's a nice sounding unit based on the current C 375 integrated amp. Another full featured preamp I see is the Parasound Classic 2100 at $650, but I have not heard this one.

Another basic option might be a a heaphone amplifier, Something like the Music Hall HP25.2, with two analog inputs, for around $400.

These are just some ideas off the top of my head. I'm biased. I use a Grace m903 Headphone Amp/DAC/Preamp, which has analog and digital inputs, and is very flexible (and nice sounding) but I'll assume you won't want to spend this much based on your mention of basic, and the components you have. Though you didn't specify an exact price range.   

for twice, perhaps three times, the price. It has a good phono section, and has very low distortion and high signal/noise.

I suggest that you dump the current preamp and Adcom amp and get the Music Hall 15.2 integrated amplifier from Music Direct for $499. 

That will give you a major improvement in sound quality.

If you really really want a separate preamp, one of the best ones for under $2000 is the one Vincent makes for around $700. Audio Advisor carries it.

Looking for a suggestion on a preamp. I have been out of the market for a long time and I need a new preamp. Here is what I have: Amp: Adcom GFA555 Tuner: Pioneer TX9500 II CD: Sony CDP620ES Preamp: NAD3140 (using as a preamp) Speakers: Homebuilt, Ribbon tweeter, Dome midrange and (2)10" Woofers, Sealed system Any suggestons on a good basic unit that will complement this system? Thanks.

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