Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

Lab12 Pre1. Absolutely wonderful preamp and can get much cheaper than $2k.

If you have any interest in mods, it makes a great platform for that.

Sorry, just read your last post...I'm sure the triode sounds amazing, sucks about the remote situation though.

I just suggested the Pre1, which I actually have paired with a triode labs parallel 2a3. Sounds fantastic together. I've decided to sell the triode labs though, as I'm sticking with all lab12 (modified).

nightfall

If I had $3,000 I would look for a used Aric Audio or Supratek preamp. However when they do go up, they only last a day or so.....if that long. You could buy a new Supratek Chardonnay for $2,500 with black powder coat, or $3,000 in a beautiful chrome finish.

superchunk

13 posts

03-03-2025 at 10:18pm 

Sorry, just read your last post...I'm sure the triode sounds amazing, sucks about the remote situation though.

I just suggested the Pre1, which I actually have paired with a triode labs parallel 2a3. Sounds fantastic together. I've decided to sell the triode labs though, as I'm sticking with all lab12 (modified).

Is that the VERY expensive Triode Labs Parallel 2a3 monoblocks that you have? I've heard those are simply amazing. 

Hey - I would send you a msg but I can't. I have the same username in the other place though.

I think mine is the prototype for the mono blocks, that's my guess, it's a dual mono stereo amp which is the only one made, and it was made just before the rsr came out.

It was far from Uber expensive which is why I grabbed it even though I diy - I like to remind myself what the best sounds like. And boy did it make me understand what real clarity, real "see through" sounds like.

Btw, there is a solution that would allow you to keep the au pre - you could add an upgraded volume control in a separate box. Would run you probably almost a grand but would also likely improve your sound quality noticeably.