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Best Preamp New or Used up to $3,000 ??

Okay I am listening. The models I am looking at are:
Audible Illusions L3 .$2,000+
Aesthetic Calypso.$2,000+.
Prima Luna Dialogue $2,200
EAR 834L.$1,700.
Benchmark LA4 (New) $2,600.
McIntosh 2500.$4,000 (Over budget but has tone controls and Phono stage)
Other Equipment: Cary MK 120-s, Oppo 205, Older Tannoys FSMs-very efficient.
Music I enjoy: Vocals, 70 db, Near field position.
So if you have owned any of the above, please share your experience.
I am attracted to these brands as they seem to place value on things related to musicality.
Separate quality Power supply, Dual Mono setup, Quality components. Remotes (except EAR)
So what am I not valuing that I should be?
Thanks in advance.

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rodge827's avatar
rodge827
616 posts
 
Audio Note Kits (ANK) L3!
Take your time and look around for a used one that usually sell in the $1500-$2500 range depending on components installed.

I had one years ago sold it for financial reasons and just repurchased an L3 upgraded to L4. Very happy!
Also look into the Shinny Eyes preamps made by Radu Tarta. Excellent sounding transformer coupled preamp at a very reasonable price.

https://simplepleasuretubeamps.wordpress.com/

keithtexas
352 posts
 

Some others to consider depending on your requirements and preferences:

Baekert Labs Rumba

Don Sachs SP14

De Havilland Ultraverve

jburidan
803 posts
 
If you don't use vinyl, the Cary SLP05 is divine, and sometimes can be had used in your price range.
cisgo
30 posts
 
If you don't use vinyl, try the Oppo direct.
dhwdallastexas's avatar
dhwdallastexas
16 posts
 
Yamaha just put out the new CX-A5200 for about $2,500.00 and you can still get the CX-A5100 for around $1,900.00. 
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