Which Tube Pre for 5K?


I'm considering the following: Aesthetix Calypso, VAC Standard, MkII, and Blue Circle BC3 Galatea, MkII (feel free to add others). I'm unable to audition any of these. I do want a fully balanced pre with a remote and would consider buying used.
Thanks all.
robal

Showing 2 responses by cedar

I forgot to mention that there is another recent post in which other Audiogon members comment on the work of Joseph Chow and his Audio Horizons products. Search "Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier."
I've heard the BAT, the Aesthetix, the Blue Circle mentioned above, and I'll add another one - VTL 5.5. They are fine preamps. However, I've chosen to own the Audio Horizons TP 2.0, a balanced tube preamp. Audio Horizons has a home trial program. The fully loaded version (I own this one) costs less than $3.5K. I think it outperforms the other preamps mentioned above, but you can test that assertion in your own system.