Best Preamp For $1200 Used

i had only one experience w/ar - their sp9 mkll. i bought one used a few years ago, it was positively *awful*! the dealer suggested new sovtek 6922's. an improvement, but still unbelievably dull & slow - it was like the music was in slo-motion. even my old adcom gft1a was more listenable. i *wanted* to like it, cuz it was so nice-looking, but the dealer took it back after a week of my trying. arcam stuff creamed it, my old electrocompaniet ec1a (which i still love, but it doesn't have remote) creamed it, my old linn kairn creamed it, my new linn kairn creams it. perhaps other ar stuff is better...

I got a Pass Aleph Pre-amp used for $1200.00 bucks, Machined black metal case, sweet looking Blue Light, just SWEET. Was rated very High (as is all Pass Equipment is).

Check my current auction (ends 7/1 P.M.) for a mint ARC LS-2 linestage preamp. Includes a NOS Amperex tube!! Orig.box and owners manal. Only $799.00 min. bid with no reserve. Orig. sold for $2,495.00. Plus we welcome all major credit cards! Thanks. Mike Stereo Exchange Levittown, PA 215-943-0529. Open Sat from 11:00 to 6:00 EDT.

Find a Threshold T3 - for the money, there is nothing better. Second choice would be a Bryston BP-25. Both have remotes and sound great (the Threshold is better).

A female audiophile has just asked me to sell her Conrad Johnson PV 12L linestage preamp with NOS Mullard tubes and upgraded power cord. Stock retail is $1995- she wants $875. The beauty of this is that you can try it, if it doesn't make magic, you can sell it without loosing money.