First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

"Space-Tech Laboratory - High-End Audio" http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Pre-Amps/Reference_Series/Reference-3.php


This preamp can run it 150 tubes, you can also buy a separate power supply  to power it, just plugs right into the rectifier socket on the preamp. This power supply can use big rectifier tubes like 874a Mercury rectifier tubes. I have one of his lower line preamps, which sounded great on it's own, but had a way better soundstage and instrument separation with the super rectifier power supply.

BIG valve preamps are gonna be 'ALL THAT" soon enough..


The big valves are only part of it, he uses ac heaters, which sounds a little warmer, but not too warm, and true point to point wiring. Some manufacturers use hand wiring, but not true point to point wiring.

Don Sachs


Don Sachs used to own one of space tech labs preamps, I believe it was the last preamp he sold after he started making his own, he only had one of the middle of the road space tech preamps.

Since you mention Don, his preamp would be a contender at far below 5K.



It is definitely worth the money, but I don't believe it would compete with the higher end model space tech labs stuff.

A winning circuit design will sound better with cheap parts than a average circuit design with top notch parts.

None of the Tech is cheap either.. BUT Art can be expensive, AY?


It's not cheap, but it's way cheaper than the big name brands top of the line components.

invalid I talked to the space tech labs guy and the 1 thing I didn't like he wasn't willing to show me the internals (he claims since he doesn't want people to copy him). Its something I don't like about mcintosh either.


Most audiophiles don't even know what point to point wiring is supposed to look like anyway, they think it's all the internal parts are supposed to be in neat rows, which isn't  point to point wiring, it's hand wiring but not point to point. True point to point wiring is almost a lost art very few manufacturers do it.

I've heard bad circuit designs with great parts sound bad, I've heard great circuit designs sound great with cheap parts. I agree that a great circuit design with great parts will sound even better, but this forum isn't to sell your services.

New:  Audible Illusions M3B


Does this preamp burn through tubes fast like the older model audible illusions preamp did?

I’d stay away from some of the very boutique brands. If you decide to move on you may find it hard to sell.  If I were you I’d go for Audio Research. It’s well built, is desirable on the used market and sounds terrific!


Even if the very boutique brands sound way better for less money than the big name brands?

What I don't know is if ML2 will be competitive or better than stuff like a used VAC Ren V or ARC Ref 5.


Some of the hand built tube equipment from small companies doesn't only compete with the big name brand equipment it surpasses in many instances at more reasonable prices.