What do you consider a budget pre amp ? Check ARC, Conrad Johnson ,Rogue ,Parasound or Bryston. I enjoyed my Bryston BP 20 and My Conrad Johnson Premier 17.

If you are feeling adventurous, there is always the kit route: Akitika, Bottlehead, Elekit (Tube Depot) and others.

Thanks everyone. I've decided to downsize and simplify, so I'm just going to use my system as is with the Rotel receiver.

Nice conclusion @nordicnorm 

OP:

So many suggestions!

Did you overcome your indecision paralysis?? 

I'd like to (belatedly) second the Musical Paradise 701mk2 suggestion, with a caveat:

Since the tubes and capacitors can be easily swapped out, it can become a money pit!

I have rolled in V-cap ODAMS for a transparent presentation and Mundorf SGO supreme EVOs for more full bodied tonal saturation....and that's just the coupling caps! Power supply bypass caps are also tunable via screw terminals inside the preamp. Just takes a couple of minutes to swap out before powering up in the morning.

Perfect preamp for a tube afficianado to tune in EXACTLY the sound you want!

However, I'm eyeing the Ladder Bach as a balanced, neutral pre for the balanced outputs of my Denafrips DAC.... Hopefully to keep a reference point for my tube shenanigans. Also, having a preamp I can leave on for the weekend would be nice.

Does anyone have experience with the Ladder Bach?

This site is frequented by mostly audiophiles. I don’t think I’ve ever read a post where people didn’t extoll the virtues of higher priced equipment, well beyond the OP’s budget.

Component synergy is key (i.e. matching components that compliment one another). You are not going to hear an appreciable difference by adding a $10,000 preamp to an $800 system because the rest of your system isn’t capable of resolving the details. That isn’t to say that an $800 system can’t give you an enjoyable musical experience.

You’ve been given lots of examples of preamps that fit your budget. The reality is that until you actually hook one up, you won’t know how it sounds in your system.

There are a lot of deals to be had in the used market. Audiophiles tend to always be upgrading their components (in their pursuit of audio nirvana). Keep your eyes open for deals that fit your budget.

And don’t forget to enjoy the music!

Thanks everyone for all the response. Seems like folks are happy w/ a variety of products, most of which are above my available cash on hand. I'll just have to see if anything shows up at resale shops. I suppose I'm not that picky for a preamp to partner w/ my 25 yr old Arcam Alpha P8 power amp.

I have Linear Tube Audio Micro Zotl M2, best bang for the buck. There's one on Ebay now for $989. In my second system I have an Essence HDACC which is a preamp with dac $699 new. Read the review in TAS.

I am currently using the Linear Tube Audio Micro Zotl M2 with the upgraded power supply and the remote. Hard to beat under $2K.I also recommend any preamp from Dave Belles. I have a refurbished Audibile Illusions that sounds great, and an Audio Research SP9 II, an early Aric Audio all great. Used is the way to go (at the right price).

+1 for the Rogue RP-1.  That amp cost you about $2K new now with tax.   You can find them for little more that $1K.  Respectable phono stage, add a couple NOS tubes and you got big bang for $

Back to Schitt again. This new preamp from them is the best I have heard from them (including Freya+).

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

MJOLNIR 3

CLASS A HEADPHONE AMP & PREAMP

As a headphone amp it fails my very demanding phones (but that is OK). Less demanding phones are likely great with it. As a preamp into 2 amps (used for headphones and 2-channel) this thing is great. On the headphones it is reference class via the 20-watt ’Class A’ Schitt Aegir amp. As 2-channel to my Magtech amp (500-watts) and Magnepan LRS+ it is really good.

The Aegir path is better than even my Benchmark LA4 or Holo Serene preamps. On the Magtech path I prefer the other 2 but most would likely prefer the Mojolnir.

This preamp is on a limited run by Schitt. I am sure the reviews will be great.

Do you actually need a preamp, or just switching and volume?  

Do you need gain? Phono stage? Tone or balance controls?  Built in phones amp? DAC? SE to XLR or visa versa?  Euphonic distortions? Those things send you to an active preamp. If not, passive is an option. 

Besides my Schiit Asgard, I have a JDS Atom+ on my desk.  I hear no fault with either. JDS is RCA only but $109. My previous preamps were another era. Hafler, Apt, Nakamichi, DIY passive then added a video driver buffer.  Of them, only the APT Holman I did not like. Hafler just worked and the Nak was sweet. 

 Spec wise, the Topping A70 Pro and A90 are good on paper. Never heard them. I  have see positive comments on the Ladder Bach, Emotiva,  and Gustard. Bigger bucks, Denafrips.   But a preamp should be easy and I have a hard time thinking a $1500 preamp is going to sound any better than my JDS and probably not as good as a passive.   You can of course spend $50,000 on a preamp and I am sure those who have believe they actually improve the sound which is of course impossible. They can only not screw it up or add distortion that you find pleasant.  If you like it is all that matters. If changing preamps "opens up" your system, all that means is you old preamp was not very good and your new one is better. May or may not be good, just better. 

Passives come from Alps pots, to resistor switches to relay resister ladders to opto-isolators  to multi-tap transformers.   A lot of creativity to extract the maximum money. 

FWIW, depending on my final DAC if I need a preamp for the remote volume or if I need balanced IO, I lean to the Schiit Kara.  But I might slap an E-bay motorized ALPS  or relay card in a box for a passive. If I need gain and phones, I could mod the Schiit or JDS for a remote volume using said E-bay wonders.  I only need a preamp if I go Chord or Denafrips. and only for remote volume. Otherwise, JDS and Schiit have me covered sonically.  DIY mods let me spend my SS check on the DAC and amp where it matters. 

Dehavilland Ultraverve, 6sn7 preamp if you can find one.

I purchased a like new Threshold T3i for $1200 that knocks the socks off much more expensive preamps!

I also purchased an Inspire LP3.1 tube preamp for $1250 that’s as silent as I’ve heard, which allows you to swap all kinds of tubes. There are all kinds of very good preamps if one chooses to buy used!

Currently there’s a tube BAT VK3Xi available for $1500. That’s a steal, and a modern preamp.

The ARC LS series, used, could work well ( LS 26 was 2300 in 2018).

It has for me.

Consider used Ayre....I have a K5xemp,,,,,love it...nothing ever went wrong. Great open 3D sound.

Since we are excluding Shitt I will add that I got the new 

https://www.schiit.com/products/mjolnir-3

preamp/headphone amp. It has to mostly work as a preamp to my Schitt Aegir amp and then into my headphones. The integrated headphone output will be used with a second headphone I have.

I was thinking of getting the Benchmark HPA4 which has similar functionality (and more) to replace my Benchmark LA4 preamp. However, I decided to get 2 preamps and save my self the chance of accidently messing up my system using 1 preamp with 2 amps.

I have 15-days to decide if this Schitt can make me happy given my expectations from using the amazing LA4 preamp. The Schitt Freya+ was not as good for me as the LA4.

So many variables need to be known. What connections and what type? Balanced? etc.

For a very inexpensive option, and if older is okay, a NAD 106 came through here this week and I tell you what, pretty darn good and it has balanced out even.  Really good if you have just one line in for all digital source from a DAC or similar..

There is a really good recap upgrade thread for it on AK too.

One thing forsure , never buy a preamp with a cheap round silver Alps volume pot 

or bournes, a stepped ladder resistor type or relay , if you are using a remote 

if not at least a resistive ladder type to get the most out of your audio system.

Schiit Kara?? 😉

If you can find one, McCormick TLC-1

You already have more options that you can sift through, but let me add a vote for the Rogue RP1. With used examples under $1k, it's a truly fantastic preamp for the money. 

And if your budget would be happier at half of that amount, find a used Freya S. Highly transparent, choice of gain including passive, fully balanced if that's important. Can't imagine getting more for your money. 

@tunehead @kota1 

I agree with the Parasound 200 option. I ran the small form factor Parasound ZPre3 in my main rig for a while and was pretty impressed. For the money, I think hard to beat, and the 200 should be a step-up to that, but didn’t really need the options it provided over the ZPre. It’s now in my bedroom system after investing in my Belles Aria Signature Pre at about 7x the cost.

Topping Pre90

 I have 2 old but nice Phase Linear pre-amps. However I want a remote and the Emotiva pre-amp for $500 looks ok to me. A friend of mine has Emotiva amps and Gallo surround system in his acoustically treated room - sounds fantastic. 

Cheap killer preamp? The Chinese Weiliang-made MBL 6010d clone is just that. Just be shure to give it some good sounding op-amps. 

BB OPA627 single op-amps + 4xTexas Instruments LME49720 dual op-amps makes this into a balanced giant-killer. Extremely open and dynamic, wery low noise. It dissapears like a good pre should do and to a price..

1+ on the LA4. I have been saying this for almost a decade now. I got laughed out of the "Best Amp" thread for saying this a few years ago. Using the LA4 or (Holo Serene preamp) with really great gear is not a mismatch.

I have 2 systems, one considerably higher than the other, and both are anchored by the Benchmark LA-4 pre -amp, balanced.  30 day trial period, guaranteed to keep. One of the best pieces of Audio equipment around, and actually priced reasonably, rare today. Robert TN

Why not a Schiit Freya +? They're amazing sounding USA made and worthy of their Class A rating. Nothing else comes close in price or features...you can tube roll, go passive, whatever. They even have a new one called a Kaya if you aren't a tube fan, similar features for 700 bucks, and I bet it sounds fabulous. What...too inexpensive?

Another vote for the LTA MZ2.  I just upgraded to the MZ3 and will be selling my MZ2. I used a Schit Magnius, a diy Nutube amp, and a JDS OL switcher previously. 

@tunehead That is quite a preamp for the money, and some very useful features, too. 

Parasound New Clasic 200 Pre (the NC 200 Intergrated same but with power).

Lots of input/output options, built in DAC, MM/MC phono, Sub out, Hi-pass / low pass, HT by-pass, and tone controll all fully operational by one of the best remotes anywhere. Each input option can also have its own volume level match. 

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/preamplifier/parasound-new-classic-200-preamplifier-review/

This is why I sold my old Krell and went Integrated..

used rogue audio RH 5 , headphone amp linestage.

2 tube followers

adjustable gain.

has balanced in and out

not classic tubey but refined, super clear, dynamic driving sound and huge soundstage.  

Here ya go.  I’d take this over the Shiit, especially with the LPS…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650017308-linear-tube-audio-micro-zotl-mz-2/

I forgot I also have a Schitt SYS, $49.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

It is surprisingly good. I used it a few times with a FM tuner.

Quicksilver - is a third suggestion a charm?

"So many suggestions" - Yes, that is what you are going to get, based on that type of question.

Used Backert - great suggestion, but hard to find.

Forgot to mention: Aric Audio.

Be willing to stretch the budget, and not limit yourself too much, on a preamp.

Quicksilver for sure. Simple, fantastic sounding, and affordable either in remote or non-remote version. I've had the 6922 remote version since 2014 without a hiccup...just a superb pre.

moonwatcher

I've been waiting for someone to comment on that very risky idea. Cost of divorce is a good one.

I would recommend a used Backert or the current deal they are offering on their 1.3 models. They use two 12AU 7 tubes and have a completely neutral  sound signature and yet add real depth, clarity and realism to a system. Highly recommended!

No experience with, but the Van Alstine pre is supposed to be really good. No other component influences the overall character of your electronics as the preamp. Stretch the budget a little and buy one that you won’t have the urge to upgrade anytime soon. Buy once, cry once !

Suggestions from a previous a thread on the relevant topic...

@mjcmt 

The Parasound P6 and the Z-Pre 3 sound virtually the same as preamps, that is pretty much silent. The difference is the features, the P6 has a DAC, balanced connections, and a variable crossover for the sub. If you don't need those features I would get the Z-Pre. I own the ZPre and have used it in my desktop system and my main system. Small, nice remote, sounds fantastic and not just for the money. Extremely clean signal.

@elliottbnewcombjr said, "tell the wife NO MORE SHOES (just for a year)". Uh, a divorce will cost you a LOT more than any preamp. Tread carefully. 

Orrr.. Look into an older ARC preamp?

SP8, SP9… Or if you can stretch a bit SP11.

Happy listening. 

Look into...

-Bottlehead Moreplay (tube kit @ <$500)

-Musical Paradise MP-701 MkII (ready to go tube for <$800)

The MP can be purchased from a vendor in the US or Canada for less $ than those offered from China.

https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/bottlehead_moreplay_e.html

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=175902.0

DeKay

van alstine transcendence 10 RB

maple tree audio

So many suggestions, poor guy lol.

Don’t skimp here. As mentioned maybe most important component. Get something that you can be happy with for a long time. Benchmark is amazing and the SPL’s are as well. 

I have made references in the past on this forum to the Pre-Amp suggested in a earlier post in this thread.

The basic model will cost not much more than what might be what the OP expects to spend a their minimum outlay.

The follow is a copy/paste from another thread. It will show one reason why I have made the suggestion about this model.  

"One of the above KB1 owners had a Loan of a Bespoke Built KB1 at the time they were having demo's of Pre Amp's to be used with EAR Power Amp's, approx' £20000 of Pre-Amp's were home demo'd of which one was a EAR 868 and retailing at £5000. The Pre-Amp options were not limited to a Budget, the KB1 won the system owners favour, and a Bespoke Built KB1 is used in the system. 

Note: The KB1 does not do full bodied/lush as a presentation."