2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Used Blue Circle BC3 Despina.
natalie
404 posts
 
Listen to a Rogue 99,the SF Line 2 is also a good choice.Dont buy anything you cant Audition in your own set up.
creeper
251 posts
 
Natalie. Does the Rogue 99 have balanced in/out's? They don't mention that in the spec's at their website.
sattothestars
233 posts
 
No balanced inputs or outputs on the Rogue.All single ended.My one gripe with them.Other than that they make an excellent product,very well constructed,and care for detail that some of the more expensive pieces should take note of.Performance of the Magnum series is excellent.You really cannot go wrong with this company.
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