2. amps-preamps
  3. 1055600639

Used tube pre-amp around $1,000

I'm thinking of upgrading my pre amp. I currently have a CJ PV10al & my first instinct would be to go higher up the CJ line. I have a set of Tyler Reference Monitors with matching sub & need another line out of my pre amp. The rest of my system is a DNA-1, Phillips 963SA, Tascam DAT deck with DH Labs, MIT & Analysis Plus cables. I think the system sounds fantastic but want a "little" more detail & larger soundstage.

The problem with staying in the CJ line is the cost. I don't know if the 12 is worth the jump & the 14 is a little more than I care to spend at this time. Are there any choices out there that will provide a marked improvement & keep me around my $1,000 budget? A remote would be a plus but not that important to me. It must have two outs & be tubed.

Audible Illusions seems to top the list in this price range but I hear they are rather tough on tubes. I am also considering adding a turntable to my rig in the future. So what are some great used pre-amps in my budget?
fishwater
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
BAT VK3i can usually be had for just under $2k w/o remote and just over w/remote. I liked it a lot w/my DNA, although the 0.5 is better than the 2.0 if you don't need the watts.
artmaltman
769 posts
 
The AI stepped attentuators have steps that are sonicly too big, so you may not be able to achieve the precise volume you are seeking. Still, the quality of sound is remarkable.
pops
2,275 posts
 
Hi Fishwater, I have a pv 10 and bought a used premier 14 about 2 years ago. A really big jump - music is so much more natural, every area improves - bottom end, top end, detail, imaging. It is also more neutral/natural - not as euphoric as the PV10. I got a reminder this week - I'm having a problem with the 14 and sent it in for repairs and put the PV 10 back in. It's a very nice preamp but it is not in the league of the 14. One caveat - there aren't alot of 6GK5 tubes available if you like to tube roll - CJ is now using all GE's. They were using GE's and Sylvania's which I think were the best combo, but I guess they can't get the sylvania's anymore. There are also Mullards and Hitachi's available from other retailers that are interesting but in my system the GE/SLY were the best overall performers. If you like CJ - move up into the premier line when you can is my opinion and you'll never look back.
sstark
63 posts
 
AI sound is just specatular for the used price of a Mod3. I've never heard it equaled for as little as $500 used. It's holographic and also has that sweet tube sound. Phono beats multichannel digital sound, e.g. SACD. But there are some issues-it eats tubes, stepped attenuators in newer 3A just too inflexible, and stay away from CD input use AUX which has no resistors.
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