Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
As the title says, I am pondering my best options for purchasing a tube based preamp for $2k or under. Must have a remote!
Your opinions, thoughts, and expertise would be greatly appreciated. If I was spending more, I would know most of the best choices, but I'm on unfamiliar ground at this price limit. But sometimes, you can only do what you can do.
Thanks for any help.
@nightfall The VTL 2.5, 2.5i are single ended. The VTL 5.5 and 6.5 are both single ended & Balanced. Not often you will find a preamp that is balanced only, ecept for some of the ARC models. As far as age of VTL's, most people say they are built like tanks + we forget that most gear is built to last many decades. The good stuff anyway.
I swear I'm not a VTL dealer, I'm pumping their tires plenty.:)
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I don’t know that level of detail regarding the sound ARC was going for between different generations. I have always heard that ARC is not a tubey sound but it is what I have had and never ventured out to compare with other tube models out there. There is one on US Audio Mart for $2250. Most people are willing to come down a little. It doesn’t have the original box which is a bummer but not a deal breaker. With heavy amps/preamps the original box is critical for shipping but these preamps are very light so could be well packed in a generic box if proper care is taken. I would definitely talk to the guy and get pictures of his plan. ARC puts each component in a thick clear plastic bag before going into the box. What I have done for folks over the years when I didn't have that bag is take a roll of shrink wrap from harbor freight and wrap it up really well. Have him use dense foam all around and not styrofoam peanuts...may seem like common sense but some people just don't realize or think about what can happen in transit so best to never assume. |
This updated Audio Horizons TP 2.3sV should be of interest. It has everything that you’re looking for - including a remote. I have a similar version. Mine is an original TP 2.3SvB with updated balanced circuitry, an R-Core transformer and larger V-Caps. It sounds great. Joseph Chow is a highly regarded audio engineer. Whoever buys this is going to very pleased. Here’s a review the latest TP 2.3SvB. - - - If purchased, ask the seller to put styrofoam supports under the V-Caps. The leads cans snap if the unit is dropped during shipping. |
@steakster is 110% right. That Audio Horizons preamp is going to be a best buy for sound quality based on your budget. I owned one much like that one as well as many other tube preamps with retail prices up to $12,0000. The AH is the best of the bunch with with exception being the TRL Dude completely tricked out. |
