cary SLP98p in your price range even with mods. Have had mine for years and it still warms in the most pleasing manner. I'm run mine with a variety of SS mono-blocks and couldn't be happier. Also I am currently using a superb Cary 200ts DAC as a digital preamp in my office. It has selectable tube and SS stages for the analog outputs and again hooked directly to monoblock SS amps, crazy nice and the 200ts is currently on sale from Cary for $1900.
First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)
Right now have di20he -> terminator -> he9 -> pass x350.8 -> ATC scm7 / NS5000.
I am thinking of introducing some tubes into my chain. I like the sound I am getting but want to explore what tubes can do to the sound (slight warmth, biggest soundstage, better layering etc etc). Don’t want to go to nuts on price. If price is over $5k would consider if its really exceptional (but for sure not over $10k). Totally fine with used. Balanced would be nice but not mandatory.
So far I am thinking RP7, EVO400, bhk. Any thoughts?
I am thinking of introducing some tubes into my chain. I like the sound I am getting but want to explore what tubes can do to the sound (slight warmth, biggest soundstage, better layering etc etc). Don’t want to go to nuts on price. If price is over $5k would consider if its really exceptional (but for sure not over $10k). Totally fine with used. Balanced would be nice but not mandatory.
So far I am thinking RP7, EVO400, bhk. Any thoughts?