Meridian Question and Cable recommendations

Following a quick bidding bout on e-Bay, I have just managed to become the proud owner of a Meridian 557. :MILD:

At the moment, I'll have to use my Audiolab 8000a as a pre-amp but I intend to get a Meridian pre. Now, I know that the 501 and 502 are pretty cheap as pre-amps but they seem to be as bit thin on the ground. Can anyone advise if any of the A/V controllers are good pre-amps (eg, I believe the 541 can act as a stereo pre)?

Also, what would be a good interconnect between the pre and a power?

Would a 502 + XLR be better than a 502 + RCA?

Thanks in advance

 

I use missing link

 

if you can use a soldering iron ...you don't need to buy expensive cable ..to have good cables ...

there are those of course who claim a cable can effect the final sound ....though its odd they don't tend to use the freebies supplied with kit !

maplins are a good source for the wire ...eith the van dam or shark cable suitable for microphones or labeled for interconects will work ...

rather good and cheap cable may be made from solid core magnet wire ...

none of the meridian pre amps could be desribed as poor .... but they may not suite your tastes ...

try before you buy ! [if you can ]

 

pm pete