Best Value Line Stage Tube Preamps?

Mofimadness: I DO have a new AI L3B. I am ecstatic about it. Check my other posts for assoc. equip. I had an older line stage ~ 25 years old. It developed a problem not able to be fixed. AI made me an offer to good to refuse for a new one & I bit because of my 20 year great experience. Only problem is they don’t make ‘em ‘til they sell ‘em, I had to wait 12 weeks to get it, but when it arrived.....WOW! Looks & sound. The outside appearance, w/lights is cool but the inside is almost beautiful, all point-to-point boards. I am a happy camper!

What is ai l3b? 

Dadbehsh
Audible Illusion Line-stage 3-B. Check out Audible Illusions websight

Want to stay of the Merry go round then have a look at the MP-3 Atma-Sphere.

Given they are all multi-input, multi-output, balanced line stage tube preamps, what are sonic benefits of a serious Rogue RP-7 or Prima Luna EVO 400 vs. the $899 Schiit Freya Plus?

FWIW none of these here support the balanced line standard. The standard was created to eliminate problems with ground loops and artifacts with interconnect cables. Not supporting the standard defeats this purpose!
The standard is fairly simple:
1) pin 1 ground, pins 2 and 3 carry the signal
2) Ground is ignored and not used for anything but shielding!
3) the balanced device will be able to drive a low impedance load- typically 1000 ohms or so.
These last two items are the meat of the standard. One myth about balanced operation is there is only a benefit with longer cables. While it is true that running balanced you can easily go 100 feet, you still get a benefit even if the cable is only six inches.


Once you hear what a properly set up balanced system brings to the table you won't want to go back.