Best tube pre under 1500?

Thank you all for your responses! You been alot of help. Best Regards, Brad

while admittedly more than $1.5k, at less than $2k, a melos ma-333r/music director will hold its own w/the best preamps out there. for ~$1k, i'd get a melos sha-gold-r/maestro over any of the above-mentioned units. both units' later wersions had remote-control wolume/balance. amazing transparancy, detail, lack of colouration, soundstage & dynamics.

ymmv, doug s.

I think the Audio Electronic Supply AES3 should be in your consideration set. And you can get it for under $800 new with upgarded oil filled caps. It's made by Cary. There's a udes one on AgoN right now!

Bradz for 850 used you can get a Rogue 66 Stereophile Class B.Not bad.At worst case if you dont like it you can get all the money out of it and not take a hit as you will on a AES item.

My point exactly Leafs...try the 66 and if it works, great! If not, turn around and save for a 99 or similar caliber tube pre. I haven't heard either of these units but I'll have a chance to this weekend. Couldn't remember from prior posts if you own the 99,66,or other?