Just to add to @mesch suggestions, people have really had good experiences with this smaller maker, too: http://www.erhard-audio.com/
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!
58 responses Add your response
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. |
Your speakers are 90dB which is great. I don't advise on separates as they're too low value for me. For less than you will have in your separates you could have a PL or Raven integrated that will not need the extra interconnect and power cord to sound better. Don't be put off by 20 vs 200 watts, either a Nighthawk or PL has more than enough power for those speakers. |
saltboy you must be living under a rock. Ya canna go past the Schiit Freya, even if it were $2K!! and it won’t cost that much!! And it’s 3 preamps in one to suit you moods, also has the best mechanical volume control you can get, all remote controled Balanced or SE. https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1 Cheers George |
