I got an SA-31 preamp used here for about $300 USD & like it... But my experience so far is w/decent entry-level stuff.
Was only able to find 1 in-depth review for it (a PDF w/matching 331 amp?) but it was mostly positive esp WRT its < $500 price.
Mostly acquired it & an AMC CVT 1030 for occasional use of their bass & treble controls. Both the units have nice, subtle well-placed tone control curves IMO & complete tone control bypassing.
BUT that's where the similarity ends - The 1030 has nice low component count & lends itself to component upgrade (but lacks the muting delay that the SA-31 has). The SA-31 main board is jam-packed & anything but simple.
I think I'd only consider these particular preamps if tone controls are important to you.
Was only able to find 1 in-depth review for it (a PDF w/matching 331 amp?) but it was mostly positive esp WRT its < $500 price.
Mostly acquired it & an AMC CVT 1030 for occasional use of their bass & treble controls. Both the units have nice, subtle well-placed tone control curves IMO & complete tone control bypassing.
BUT that's where the similarity ends - The 1030 has nice low component count & lends itself to component upgrade (but lacks the muting delay that the SA-31 has). The SA-31 main board is jam-packed & anything but simple.
I think I'd only consider these particular preamps if tone controls are important to you.