Suggestions for a tube preamp

ASL also makes a remote controlled 2A3 preamp for under $1200

Hiflyer,

I have had two of the preamps on your list, the Audio Research LS1 and the Conrad Johnson PV10a. I did not care for the ARC LS1 at all, very sterile sounding. I have not owned but also heard the ARC LS7 and did not care for it either. I guess I don't like the ARC sound. I love my CJ. Probably not neutral but very musical with a great phono stage. It is currently for sale if you are interested as I am going with a Musical Fidelity to match my power amp and get a remote. See my ad if you are interested. Would be well under your budget and fairly easy to resell if you decide it is not for you. I also owned a Counterpoint tube pre although older and lower in the line than the ones you mentioned. Mine was very noisy and not reliable. For the money I think you could do better with a company still in business.

I have not heard the ARC LS 2 or 3, but they got good reviews. There are also a number of very respected Agon members that swear by Blue Circle and Rogue. Both would probably be good choices. Tube pre amps can very in sound quite a bit. Auditioning is always recommended if you can.

Regards,
Paul

I thank everyone for the responses so far.

TWL, MFA is out of business. Is there anyone that can service this unit if there is a problem? I have also heard that this unit is better when modified.

There is a MFA Magus B for sale on AGON right now. Any info on this unit would be helpful.

Yes, the MFA products can be serviced and upgraded by one of the original designers, Bruce Moore, through RB Audio in California. I bought my preamp from him and the upgrades also.

Hiflyer if you get a chance listen the Aronov LS9000. I replaced a AE-3 with one and I never looked back. Just for your info the AE-3 replaced a LS-7. I thought the LS-7 just didn't cut it. Best of luck on your search.