Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

robbydouglas2

11 posts

02-16-2025 at 12:54am

For what it’s worth, I had an Audio Research SP-16 and a brand new Schiit Freya + for about 3 months. I did some critical listening and some tube rolling with both. I ended up selling the Audio Research. The 6sn7 tubes were just better to my ears. And when tube rolling, the 6sn7’s made a huge difference in sound. I ended up with 2 NOS GE’s in the buffer stage and NOS Ken rads in the gain stage. A sweet Lucious tube sound. Plus it had XLR’s out for my Krell amp. The Audio Research sounded decent but it was single ended, and new production tubes versus NOS tubes didn’t really make a major difference in sound.

Really interesting comparison Robby. Thanks. The sound signature you describe is right up my alley. Certainly food for thought. And I know Mike Moffat a bit, and always enjoy supporting his efforts. I just realized, from re-reading your comments, that the Freya preamp is a fully balanced unit. Which, unfortunately,as noted in my response about the VTL’s, is an issue.

@nightfall  The VTL 2.5, 2.5i are single ended. The VTL 5.5 and 6.5 are both single ended & Balanced. Not often you will find a preamp that is balanced only, ecept for some of the ARC models.

As far as age of VTL's, most people say they are built like tanks + we forget that most gear is built to last many decades. The good stuff anyway.

I swear I'm not a VTL dealer, I'm pumping their tires plenty.:)

@nightfall

I don’t know that level of detail regarding the sound ARC was going for between different generations. I have always heard that ARC is not a tubey sound but it is what I have had and never ventured out to compare with other tube models out there. There is one on US Audio Mart for $2250. Most people are willing to come down a little. It doesn’t have the original box which is a bummer but not a deal breaker. With heavy amps/preamps the original box is critical for shipping but these preamps are very light so could be well packed in a generic box if proper care is taken.  I would definitely talk to the guy and get pictures of his plan.  ARC puts each component in a thick clear plastic bag before going into the box.  What I have done for folks over the years when I didn't have that bag is take a roll of shrink wrap from harbor freight and wrap it up really well.  Have him use dense foam all around and not styrofoam peanuts...may seem like common sense but some people just don't realize or think about what can happen in transit so best to never assume.

+1 on Odyssey Candela tube pre. I believe one can be had new in your price range.  It stands up nicely with big hitters, driving a Pass Labs 260.8 into Wilson Sasha DAWs in my system. Basic remote available. 

This updated Audio Horizons TP 2.3sV should be of interest. It has everything that you’re looking for - including a remote.

I have a similar version. Mine is an original TP 2.3SvB with updated balanced circuitry, an R-Core transformer and larger V-Caps. It sounds great. Joseph Chow is a highly regarded audio engineer. Whoever buys this is going to very pleased.

Here’s a review the latest TP 2.3SvB.

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If purchased, ask the seller to put styrofoam supports under the V-Caps. The leads cans snap if the unit is dropped during shipping.