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Which is a better choice? New, or used preamp?

So I've been doing a lot of research, and am interested in people's opinions about a new vs. used tube preamps...

I'm looking for a good quality tube pre, maybe around $1500. People have recommended some new products (Doge an YS for example) in that price range, but I can't help but wonder if I'm not going to get a better performance with a used pre in that price range that used to sell new for maybe $2500-$3500?

That would be a 10-15 year old pre probably, so has the quality advanced such that the YS could present a better soundstage, for example?

Thanks,

Michael
mjm6
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
The dividing point might be remote control. If you can go without a remote, there are a lot of great preamps out there that go begging.

One of my first considerations would be a Music Reference RM-5.

Something else that will stun you if you can find one is Encore Audio.
hifitime
715 posts
 
Even though you can buy new, the new ones can still have the lower end parts, unless you buy their better/premium line. If you buy used, you can get the premium (for same or less sometimes) used ones, that can be more transparent, cleaner, and better in other ways, due to better parts and maybe a better design, a lot of the time. If you buy a brand that has been around, and has a good reputation, you could do a lot better used. These are items if built right, last a long time. Sometimes, the seller will even include better tubes also.
car123's avatar
car123
88 posts
 
joule electra la 100 or 150 mk 2.
pops
2,273 posts
 
Do some research on dehavilland ultraverve, performs way above its price.
mjm6 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks for the additional feedback folks...

I've got a lot of research to do, but this is all very much appreciated information.

---Michael
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