First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)


Right now have di20he -> terminator -> he9 -> pass x350.8 -> ATC scm7 / NS5000.
I am thinking of introducing some tubes into my chain. I like the sound I am getting but want to explore what tubes can do to the sound (slight warmth, biggest soundstage, better layering etc etc). Don’t want to go to nuts on price. If price is over $5k would consider if its really exceptional (but for sure not over $10k). Totally fine with used. Balanced would be nice but not mandatory.
So far I am thinking RP7, EVO400, bhk. Any thoughts?
smodtactical
Don Sachs


Don Sachs used to own one of space tech labs preamps, I believe it was the last preamp he sold after he started making his own, he only had one of the middle of the road space tech preamps.
Since you mention Don, his preamp would be a contender at far below 5K.



It is definitely worth the money, but I don't believe it would compete with the higher end model space tech labs stuff.
I'm in Luxman Love, just got their 10 wpc tube amp, SQ-N150.

Luxman, NOS CL35, MKIII Preamp

They say once in a lifetime, it’s beyond rare, that’s for sure

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265067657600?hash=item3db7437980:g:G-kAAOSw-b1d8B6G

same unit, slightly used

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294195745377?epid=1594839865&hash=item447f6ed261:g:q4cAAOSwOyRgrqLk

Current Production Tube Integrated LX-380

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=16

Are you considering Vintage?

After what I did for my main system, I might suggest you consider buying a restored vintage unit, or, ’original condition’ with good clean faceplate/glass/controls, have it shipped directly to Audio Classics (or someone you know), have it restored and then sent to you. I bought a McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp in original condition. Got it, sounded great, ... after a year or so I figured, what the heck, I’m going that way, I’ll drop it off. The best thing they did aside from .... is replace all the rca jacks with new gold plated ones. Of course FM alignment, replace a resistor there, a needed faceplate light bulb. Point is, had I been thinking ’long’ I would have had a greater start and skipped one leg of shipping. Those old jacks are a weak point I discovered.

this one says restored, but the faceplate is badly worn, I would avoid that.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274770994695?hash=item3ff9a0a607:g:qRoAAOSwMDJgUBOg

the model I chose, in a wood case

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203492974627?epid=1158588361&hash=item2f61206023:g:74IAAOSwpqBgxnTi

Audio Research Ls28se. Very dynamic and great sound. Easy to use and plenty of balanced and single ended connections.