Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?


As the title says, I am pondering my best options for purchasing a tube based preamp for $2k or under. Must have a remote! 

 

Your opinions, thoughts, and expertise would be greatly appreciated. If I was spending more, I would know most of the best choices, but I'm on unfamiliar ground at this price limit. But sometimes, you can only do what you can do. 

Thanks for any help. 

nightfall

Pretty sure Supratek is still going strong.  I know Mick took a breather awhile ago, but he's been back for some time.

https://www.supratek.com.au/

That Supratek for $1500 looks quite amazing. (Review here: https://6moons.com/audioreviews/supratek/chardonnay.html)

Here’s a question, @nightfall -- do you have anyone near you that could fix or upgrade equipment, should you have the need? I have had much gear tweaked and in a couple cases fixed by a local audio guy. Having that relationship could be the make-or-break factor in your ability to take chances on various pieces of gear, used or new.

I found my guy by first finding the audio club in my town and then asking them where they got their gear fixed. It’s been smooth sailing since then.

I love Conrad Johnson preamps. My first was a Classic SE, followed by the CT-5 with the teflon cap upgrade, and finally the superb ACT2.

 

I wish I could find a Classic SE, or reasonably pricedC-T5 available now!

hilde45’s avatar

hilde45

5,082 posts

That Supratek for $1500 looks quite amazing. (Review here: https://6moons.com/audioreviews/supratek/chardonnay.html)

 

I have been thinking a lot about this Supratek. Great deal. They have always had great reviews and commentary about the products. My initial concern was I had believed that Mick had shut down the business. Which I still think he did, at some point. But mofimadness notes that he is back up and operating. Still, if there were issues, Australia is a long way to have to ship something. And I don’t have a good local tech to rely on. Closest is a five hour drive to Chicago. And in the end, the real deal breaker is no remote again :(