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Suggestions for a tube preamp

I am looking for a tube preamp that will work well with my system:

Clayton S 40 ampliflier
Rick Reimer Wind River GS speakers (on order)
Heavily modified Pioneer DVD player

I do not need phono and do not want to spend more than $1000.00 used.

Here are some preamps I have looked at:

AR LS 7, LS2, LS1
Blue Circle BC 21
Sonic Frontiers Line 1
MFA MAGUS
Audible Illusions L1 or Mod 3
CJ PV 10
Counterpoint 2000, 3000

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated!
hiflyer
rockyboy
335 posts
 
Hiflyer
Don't overlook the Audible Illusions. I've owned mine for over 8 years and have never had a problem. It's easy on tubes (I replace mine every 3 - 4 years) and replacement tubes are relatively inexpensive. Only downside is it's not remote controlled. I do get tired of having to adjust the dual volume pots for about every third CD. This preamp continues to be highly rated by reviewers and IMHO deserves it.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
The BC21 and PV10 go great with SS amps if that's your goal.
I would give the nod to the BC21 (I've owned both), but your taste may be different.
hiflyer OP
99 posts
 
Are there any remote controlled preamps worth looking at? I do not want to compromise the sound though.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ncarv
983 posts
 
VTL preamps have remotes. No compromise on sound.
twl
3,251 posts
 
The MFA Magus, and orginal Audible Illusions Modulus were both designed by Bruce Moore. There are similarities in their designs. I like the Audible Illusions preamps too.
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