best bang for the buck tube preamp?


would like to try out a tube pre to see if tubes are for me without spending big bucks($250-$500). two channel, no phono and i need two sets of outputs.
hemidakota

Showing 1 response by listener57

Sound Valves VTP-101i meets all your requirements. The phono section is there, but it represents a superb bonus for some subsequent buyer if you ever get restless to upgrade. Reasonable price, probably less than $400 when purchased used on Audiogon and eBAy. Occasionally comes up for sale.
I have placed it in many different systems, without hearing any significant shortcoming.
It will even inspire you to try a tube amp once you see how fine tubes can sound.
In my trials, it far outdid my stock Dynaco PAS-3, and it doesn't require internal upgrades to be fully competent.
Just choose your footers (such as Herbie's Tenderfeet), and power cord of your choice, and prepare to be impressed.