OP, my research on preamps lead me to Quicksilver Line Stage, non-remote, version; two tubes, simply and well built, point to point wired, very good customer service, and a very good reputation with customers. Made in California. $1500 new, easy to find $900, used. Search the forums about it. You'll see people believe it's an amazing value. Certainly meets your price point.
Budget Tube Preamp ($2000)
Hello guys,
First post here!
I am in the market for a tube preamplifier for my current system, to add a bit of warmth. My budget is under $2000, the cheaper the better, Mainly looking at the used market (I love great deals).
My build currently:
- Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers
- Project Debut Carbon Turntable
- Marantz Cd5005 CD player
- Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
- Rotel RB 1582 Mkii Power Amp
If you guys have suggestions, I appreciate it a lot! For the inputs, if the preamp has XLR that would be great as I'm currently running my Azur 851N to my amp through a balanced connection and it sounds pretty good. This is not completely necessary though.
Thanks!
First post here!
I am in the market for a tube preamplifier for my current system, to add a bit of warmth. My budget is under $2000, the cheaper the better, Mainly looking at the used market (I love great deals).
My build currently:
- Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers
- Project Debut Carbon Turntable
- Marantz Cd5005 CD player
- Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
- Rotel RB 1582 Mkii Power Amp
If you guys have suggestions, I appreciate it a lot! For the inputs, if the preamp has XLR that would be great as I'm currently running my Azur 851N to my amp through a balanced connection and it sounds pretty good. This is not completely necessary though.
Thanks!
Showing 4 responses by hilde45
@jjss49 Jeebus, is this good advice. I bought a solid state amp to supplement my tube amp -- just to have for fun and kicks, and the occasional quick listen (in case the tubes don't have time to warm up) -- and I now use it a lot! Just goes to show how much of an overall *practice* listening is. If I start to roll tubes on my preamp more often, I may just have to take the cover off. 18 screws are too many! |
Just to add to @mesch suggestions, people have really had good experiences with this smaller maker, too: http://www.erhard-audio.com/ |