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Used audiophile preamp

 I’m looking for a used  audiophile preamp either solid state or tube. Looking for recommendations. Prefer less than $4000. Currently own Jeff Rowland Consumate preamp, phonostage and power supply.  Older technology but still excellent. What does newer technology have to offer over what I have?  Soundstage? Musicality? My system includes Linn turntable, Odyssey Kismet monoblocks, Spatial M3 Turbo spkrs, Schitt DAC, Cambridge CD Turntable, PS Nuwave, etc.  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. All input welcome. Thanks.
wwp347
acousticrat33
24 posts
 
I enjoy both my old Conrad Johnson PV11 and new Schiit Freya. Go with tubes, whatever the brand - I am also very pleased w/new PrimaLuna power amp and would try them for preamp. I would try Schiit Saga as a trial into tube preamps if you dont need balanced, Freya if you do. Then you have money left over for a decent phono preamp (I still use the CJ PV11 as my phono preamp but am considering options if I go with a low output MC cartridge).
truebluephil
23 posts
 
Save your hard earned money and buy this one from Don Sachs.

http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html

For around $2,500  it will blow you away. You will have to spend $5000 on the over priced ones out there or more to out perform it. Contact Don and talk to him.


bigkidz
3,387 posts
 
My friend owned an Audible Illusions preamp and recently purchased the  Primaluna Prologue preamp.  The Prima is much more musical, was more open sounding (bigger soundstage) and was just rally nice to listen to.  For the $2300 list price, it was a nice addition to his system.  Way more musical.  I do like the Don Sachs recommendation also.  I just built a 6SN7 preamp design although I won't sell it for $1799 starting price like the basic one from Don.  It compares nicely to the DHT preamp we also build.  You cannot go wrong with either if you like a tube sound versus SS sound.  I prefer tubes as you can see as I find SS just a little dry for my old ears.

Happy Listening.
marqmike
839 posts
 
For a coherent musical and neutral piece I think the Rowland is very hard to beat. But many people have systems that other pre’s may have better synergy with. Depends on what kind of sound you are going for.
wwp347 OP
2 posts
 
 Thanks all for your input. I have a dedicated listening room which I just built during a basement build out.  I have bass traps and I’m experimenting with different traps etc to optimize room acoustics. The Rowland is exceptional. I purchased the Rowland Consumate and phono stage 30 plus years ago. I was curious to know if newer preamps had significantly improved in musicality and sound stage, etc. No gotta haves but love to hear recommendations.
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