What's the best preamp for under 1000

placette

I agree with Mejames, Placette is the best I have heard in this price range. The Placette Passive linestage can be had for under $1,000 used ($1400 new) or a Remote Volume Control is $1,000 new and around $600 used. They both are solid state, have the same volume control and remotes. The linestage has three inputs and two outputs, whereas the RVC is a single in/out. The Passive is superior in every way to the $6k tube preamp it replaced in my system.

Placette Audio

If you want passive the Placette is the way to go. However for a simple (no remote) pre amp with high quality sound look at the EAR 834L - its a tube preamp w/out phono - it uses three tubes and the tubes last a long time. Harry Pearson of TAS gave it high marks. I've used one for about 3 years - no problems. Tonally it sounds much like my ARC SP10. I've seen them sell used for 600 to 750 on Agon.

Conrad Johnson PV10B with phono stage. This is a tube preamp...entry level into the CJ family. I owned one, fell in love with CJ products, and now have upgraded to all CJ products. I know you can get one on Audiogon for under a grand. Verify the serial number with Knut at CJ. The 10A and 10B look the same. The 'A' is obsolete...The "B' is much more musicial. One warning though. There is no balance control on this series.
Regards,

if you want to go tube,the conrad johnson pv10A is a great bargain at about $600 used.the phono stage is top notch for the bucks also.i have had mine for a year now and just recently had it upgraded to pv10B{$350}.all in all i couldn't be happier.my total investment was $950.