Looking for a tube Preamp new or used for under $2000...


Hi all,

I am looking for a tube preamp for my Parasound A21 amp. I currently have a Parasound p6 preamp, but have been told that a “Tube” preamp not a SS preamp would make a huge improvement. My budget is $2k however, I would prefer to spend less! I am looking at McIntosh and audio research preamps. I am willing to purchase an older preamp, but not one that I would need to send it into be serviced. Any suggestions? Thanks!
matt00
I second the recommendation of Aric Audio. Great products at real human prices,and Aric is great to deal with.  However, I agree with soix,what are you looking to improve? What shortcomings are you trying to overcome? 
Have a look at the Linear Tube Audio MZ2 - great tube preamp and a wonderful headphone amp with remote volume. With the upgraded power supply it is a bit over $2K new. Hard to find used but there is one on AudioCircle currently. It won't provide a lot of softness or excess tube warmth if that's what you are looking but it made my system come alive with presence, immediacy and enough tube sound to take any edge off digital sources (all I listen to). Easy to tube roll with as well - I changed the stock NOS input tubes to 60's Mullard 12AU7's and am very pleased.
Thanks everyone, geof the sp16 is what I was looking at, but if it didn’t make a larger enough improvement I should look elsewhere.
I just feel like my P6 is holding back some clarity and warmth. I don’t want a laid back sound, but I think a solid preamp would keep the background noise dead silent.
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