2. amps-preamps
  3. 135996-10077

Best balanced linestage/preamp for $4000 or less ???

Hey all !!  So I need some help with choosing a preamp, preferably tube, that's a true balance design in and out.. For a 2.1 speaker system.. Need a sub so it'll have to have dual outputs running in parallel if that's the right term to use.. It'll have to have single ended inputs and outputs also.. I use an Oppo205 (Modwright) in the front end for everything digital coming in, movies and music.. But I do my critical listening with music so I use the modded portion of the 205 for that (balance output) and for movies/tv want to use the unmodded single ended outputs..

I have a Classe CA2200 amp and Salk bookshelf speakers and a sub (single ended input)..

I know BAT is out there.. VK31se I'm looking at and some older Audio Research but read them are unreliable.. Anything else anyone else have some experience with ? Will take your opinions seriously as that's how I chose my current equipment...   thanks

I know there's some good stuff single ended but I really want a well balance system through out with my music listening..

oem-wheels
ggc
178 posts
 
Hi oem-wheels,
There are several good recommendations here. I will give one more Rouge Audio Hera 2 - Hands down the best preamplifier I have heard for the money. Bests other brands, some listed in this post, that cost 3-4 times more. Frequency response is 1hz - 300khz. The sound stage is truly holographic. Rogue Audio discontinued the line due to production costs associated with the level of detail involved with the design, but still services them should anything happen. I am not a rep, nor affiliated with the company. I am an Audiophile that appreciates great craftsmanship especially at reasonable prices.

Good Luck

There is one currently listed on Agon.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8ii1a-rogue-audio-hera-two-piece-preamplifier-tube
thosb's avatar
thosb
204 posts
 
Atmasphere - do manuals generally indicate if the equipment meets the AES 48 standard?

oem-wheels - in similar discussions two other pre-amps are mentioned - don Sachs ($2500 new) and cary sl-05 (~$3100 used).  No idea how these stack up against those mentioned above, but I am doing a similar search and keep coming back to these, but now have more to look into!
oem-wheels OP
196 posts
 
@thosb   I've looked at those and they do look good but pretty sure they won't be able to drive a sub also.. I actually called Sachs.. The wait time to get one of his is 16 weeks, approx..  could be more, could be less
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
If you can find a Vincent SA-T8, swap out the crappy supplied Tubes and Caps, and you'll have a superb Balanced Pre. that will send plenty of high cost Pre's packing.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,944 posts
 
Atmasphere - do manuals generally indicate if the equipment meets the AES 48 standard?
@oem-wheels 
Probably not. I would contact the manufacturer. It they can't simply say 'yes', the correct answer is likely 'no'.
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