Need help with a Tube Preamp under $3000

while not owning a 3B-ST I have paired a number of tubed preamps to larger Bryston amps (4B-SST/14B-SST/7B-SST2). Hovland HP-100, Rogue Magnum 99, Audio Horizon, ARC LS-26 & Ref 3, Lamm L2 Ref and LL2 Deluxe (I think I got them all).

Of the units that are in your budget range (some of which have to be bought used) the Hovland was very good, not as "tubey" as the Rogue but offered up more detail. The LL2 Deluxe, IMHO, was the best of the lot - a hint of warmth (you can tube roll to adjust to taste) and presented the best overall presentation - soundstage beyond the speakers and as much detail as the Hovland. I think of all the tubed preamps I have owned it offered the best bang for the buck.

Just my experience, YMMV

Take a long look at the Audio Space Line-2. I went through several pre's after hooking up my Maggies until I landed on this one. It is an absolute game-changer. I ran the stock tubes for quite a while with no complaints. I then changed over to some tung sols and so no appreciable improvement. Last week went to some NOS Mullards and Siemens.....minor improvement (verdict: the units sounds excellent out of the box!). Regardless of what you do, you must demo in your system....way too many variables to say what sounds best in your system. For those interested in why I like it so much: Of all the pre's I tried, it had the best combo of gain and detail but not harsh. It was also the quietest pre I demo'ed at any price. An absolute black background, with an immediacy that can actually startle some people.

Thank you for everyone's responses. I have been researching some of your answers. One company I came across is out of BC Canada "SpaceTech Labs". The man made a few recommendations to improve my system. A tube preamp obviously but he also said that a Buffer between my DAC Magic and Bryston PRE AMP would improve the sound by 80-100%. I am not at all familiar with Buffers. Does anyone have any comments or technical view on Buffers? Thank you in advance

Hello Birdiewins, I have some experience with what I consider a very nice buffer. It's made by Joseph Chow at Audio Horizons (check out their site). There is also quite a bit of information here on A-gon about AH flagship product - the TP preamp line. Just search the archives.

As far as the tube buffer ... Joseph custom built a combination buffer and phono pre into one box for me; and I have been very happy with it. The buffer section uses two (2) 6922/6DJ8 type tubes and responds well to tube rolling, interconnect changes, and power cord flavors. It's been great in helping integrate my HT set-up with 2-channel listening. I have it placed between Pre/Pro in front of Channel Island (Class D) monos.

Check out the specs as well as the write-up on the Audio Horizon site. As we know, the numbers only tell part of the story. The proof is how it sounds in your system and in your room. AH offers a "qualified" in-home free trial or a money back 20-day trial if purchased outright - no questions asked. There is no "restocking" fee or any other disincentive to try it out for yourself.

These guys stand behind their products and their work. BTW I've also had Joseph modify a DAC for me that (to me at least) outperforms a number of popular brands that I have owned and/or auditioned.

I have no affiliation or financial interest with this company; however, you may see an unsolicited testimonial that I gave them permission to use.

Good luck and Happy Listening!

Kind of homely looking, but may be just what you are looking for. Musical Design Chameleon Pre-amp. Tube roll till you find the exact sound you'r looking for.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-musical-concepts-chameleon-elite-with-phono-2012-12-20-preamplifiers-52722

http://www.musicaldesign.com/MC_Cham.html