Are there any $1500 tube preamps that that can compare with Tubes4hifi's SP14?

Reviews on the Tubes4hifi's SP14 are consistently positive and so many people are blown away by them. I haven't heard one but I want one. I want to upgrade and would like to know if there other ones that can hold up against the SP14 at the $1500 price point.

amritash03-16-2017 4:57am

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harrylavo Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 341 posts 03-18-2017 at 02:55am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Another fine preamp would be a restored Audio Research SP-6b. One of the finest preamps ever made....they sell for around $1000 in good shape, and usually only require a capacitor (and sometimes resistor) upgrade. Plus perhaps $70 worth of new Chinese 12AX7's.
deepee99 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 86 posts 03-18-2017 at 03:04am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You might consider Tubes4HiFi's SP-13, which is a noval version of the SP-14, uses 6CG7 tubes. It didn't acquire the following that the -14 has and I believe is no longer advertised, but I have owned both and the -13's sound is every bit as good as the -14. Roy may have a few boards left for the -13 and perhaps even a full kit you could get on the cheap. If your choice comes down to either, by all means upgrade the caps and they'll blow you away.
alanholvey Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 96 posts 03-18-2017 at 03:54am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You might want to check out Brown Audio Labs. I currently have Denny's SP-2B model which uses 9 pin tuned plus has a ballance control. It is very good. A few years ago I had an Audio Research SP8 which was beautiful ounding but had very little base reproduction. It was restored by Audio Research themself with ne tubes. My Brown Audio Labs model is truly exceptional for the money. Plus it's phono section is it's best festure by fsr. Oh yes, it cost me only $1194, which included shipping.
bdp24 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,510 posts 03-18-2017 at 06:36am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete harrylavo is most likely referring to the Music Reference (rather than Musical Reference) RM-9 amplifier, a very-well regarded EL34 based amp. Roger Modjeski of Music Reference is making custom pre-amps now, so you might want to check with him to see what he's offering.
mresseguie Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 45 posts 03-18-2017 at 09:52am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hello, amritash. My first tube preamp was an Audio by Van Alstine T-8. I thought it was pretty awesome until I heard Don Sachs's SP14/Model 2 preamp. I know guys who are satisfied with their T-8 preamps. AVA now has a new tube preamp for under $1000, but I have not heard it. Perhaps it can satisfy you; perhaps not. I am a proud owner of the D Sachs Model 2. I upgraded just about everything possible, so my final cost was nearly double your $1500. However, this isn't necessary. You can easily begin with his base model and upgrade as you wish or are able to. The soundstage is wide and deep. Instruments and voices are crystal clear. I'm pretty confident that this will be my last preamp upgrade. Enjoy your journey! Michael