2. amps-preamps
  3. 1053230556

Pre-Amp Recommendation

Thinking its time to update/upgrade. Have a 10-year-old Audio Illusions Mod 3 (with phono card). Rest of system is Audio Research VT 130, Wilson Witts, Audio Research CD 2, TNT 3.5 turntable, Audio Research PH 3, and Magnum Dynalab FT 101A tuner. The only balanced front end equipment is the CD 2. Pre amp needs to have balanced out. Budget of around $2000 used. Got any recommendations?
cmcdaniel5
michaela
314 posts
 
We have some similiar equipment. I would recommend that you go for just a few bucks more and look for an ARC LS5MkIII. It's ARC's best next to the Ref 1 and Ref 2. It has great medrange magic and is much better than the LS25 which sounds more clinical. It would mate great with your ARC amp, CD2 and PH3. It's truly fully balanced, has a remote and is a steal at the current prices. Good Luck!
jazzdude
332 posts
 
Fiddler,

Your tubes cost almost as much as the preamp. It oughta sound good. I've invested heavily in tubes for my SupraTek also. I can afford to because I didn't have to spend $10K to get the sound I was looking for.

Cmcdaniel5

If you have to have a balanced output, then you don't have many options. BAT or SupraTek. SupraTek's phonostage recieves a lot of rants.
s23chang
620 posts
 
Counterpoint SA5000 $1500
send it back to Mike Elliot at Alta Vista to add the balance out. ($250)
sayas
193 posts
 
SF Line 3 is also a very fine choice, although higher than budget indicated. I had one for 2 years and was very satisfied with it's performance and features that are simply incredible.
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