Yeah lots of ARC used options in your price range would no doubt be good options. One other that has recently piqued my interest is Linear Tube Audio. They now have a remote version of their preamp at half your price range new, and I think they offer in-home trials that would be great at least for perspective if nothing else. Another good option would be VAC, but they’re pretty tough to find used in your price range.
I’d hesitate to recommend a solid state pre. I just think you’re used to the tubed sound, and although there are certainly some great solid state pres out there that may indeed help in the bass area there may be other trade-offs that might not be worth it. Plus there are so many great tubed options out there. FWIW and best of luck.
I’d hesitate to recommend a solid state pre. I just think you’re used to the tubed sound, and although there are certainly some great solid state pres out there that may indeed help in the bass area there may be other trade-offs that might not be worth it. Plus there are so many great tubed options out there. FWIW and best of luck.