Q. Why are stereo preamps with limited input capability priced in the thousands of dollars? I was looking at what a new two-channel preamp might cost in order to compare it to the price of repairing my Yamaha C-6 preamp. First of all, very few preamps had more then two inputs at best, and then, the costs of those were, well, out of this world.

—B.K., Manchester, New Hampshire

A. High-quality stereo separates (preamplifiers and amplifiers) have indeed become very expensive, and capability has often gone down as well. Fortunately you have several excellent options priced well under $1,000 that will make a fine replacement for your Yamaha C-6, should you decide to buy something new rather than repair it.

Something functionally similar to your Yamaha C-6 is the Emotiva DRP-1, a compact, fully analog stereo preamp with four inputs including a phono input. One of the inputs is a balanced input, but you can get a cable that converts a standard RCA connection to a balanced connection so you can use this input. The DRP-1 is a very high-quality component, and at the moment it is a spectacular value. Normally $699, it is on sale for only $399 at emotiva.com.

An excellent high-end choice is the $750 Parasound NC 200PRE Preamplifier, which has four analog inputs including a phono input and three digital inputs. These digital inputs feed top-quality Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converters, which will deliver pristine sound quality from your digital components such as CD players, computers or digital media servers. If you don't mind spending $750 I think you will be very pleased with the Parasound NC200 PRE. parasound.com

If you're willing to try something more digital and can get by with two analog inputs and a digital input, the WiiM Ultra is only $349 and includes a top-notch music streamer with a beautiful, full-color display. This is essentially the WiiM Amp Ultra I wrote about several weeks ago, but without the built-in amplifier. You connect the outputs to your amplifier and it makes for a fantastic preamplifier with one of the best streaming platforms on the market built right in for your enjoyment. I have a friend who uses the WiiM Ultra with a $2,500 separate amplifier and Magnepan speakers, and his system sounds phenomenal. There is even an HDMI-ARC input so you can use it with your television. Even if you are set in your analog, two-channel ways it is worth a serious look. wiimhome.com

Q. We're in the early stages of looking for a new TV, and I like what I've read about TCL. From what I recall seeing in your column, the newer TCL TVs have a great picture and good sound quality, without the need for a soundbar.

—B.W., San Jose, California

A. Please be advised that the TCL televisions with the exceptional sound quality are the higher-end models. Please keep this in mind as you shop. If you're looking at one of the more mainstream TCL TVs you may be better served adding a soundbar, and TCL in fact makes many soundbars. However, if you get one of the high-end TCLs you can definitely get by without a soundbar, especially if you pair it with a TCL Z100-SW wireless subwoofer and one or more Z100 accessory speakers. If you add the Z100 speakers you definitely won't want or need a soundbar. It's really quite a phenomenal system, and I'm a huge fan. TCL is having a big Halloween sale right now with prices up to 70% off, so if you may want to move quickly to get that dream TV setup. tcl.com

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