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Looking for a tube preamp that is 1700 or less.

Need help on looking for a good tube preamp that is under $1700.00. The tube preamp must have xlr balanced input and output for my dac, sacd player and my amp. So far i was looking into the Sonic Frontiers Line 2 and it almost have everything i need but i am open into other tube preamp. Can someone help me out with some suggestion. I have too many solid state and i want to move into some tubes. I also want full balanced.

My current system:
Martin Logan Ascent (Speakers)
Musical Fidelity A3cr (Preamp)
Pass Lab X-250 (Amp)
Denon DP-S1 (CD Transport)
Marantz SA-14 (SACD)
Classe DAC-1 (D/A)
tonylau2eb7
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Tony; I have used the SF Line 2 for almost 3 years now and can highly recommend it. But if you'te looking for a sort of euphonic "classic tube sound", the Line 2 probably isn't it. If you haven't read the Stereophile review on the Line 2, I'd recommend it as I considered it to be "right on". It is neutral/accurate, very smooth, and holographic, but not euphonic. Features of the Line 2 are excellent as you note. Sonically, I don't know that the Line 2 would be an improvement over your A3cr. You have some nice components, and it seems to me that you're at a point where you're just going to have to audition (in home) to find the "sound" you want. Good Luck. Craig
artmaltman
769 posts
 
Audible Illusions M3a (used)
gvatchna
33 posts
 
Aronov LS-9000, You can fi nd it used under $1000, which is a steal.
outlier's avatar
outlier
381 posts
 
BAT Vk3i would be well within your budget and would definitely give you the classic tube sound. You may be able to pick up a VK5i for just over $1,700. Both are fully balanced, I believe. If you can stretch your budget a little, the Sonic Frontiers Line 3 is a great unit - it's very transparent and neutral though and may not give you the classic tube warmth that you may be looking for. Good luck.
John.
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