Preamp suggestions, yes again

@arcticdeth
$4500 for one of the recent Sanders preamps, right? OP is looking closer to 1K to spend.

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For $1000, Quicksilver Linestage tube preamplifier with no remote and really good vintage input tubes competes handily with several preamps at 2-3x the price. Or, pick up a remote version 2nd hand when they come up for sale, every once in a while. 

@ecooney
Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.  

Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.  

I previously owned the FET Valve CFR. While it's a nice preamp in many respects and unmatched in terms of price/features, I prefer the Schiit Freya Plus for absolute sound quality. The Quicksilver headphone amp performs even better than the Schiit.

That said, of the initial two on your list, definitely go AVA. You'd probably have to wait no more than two weeks to receive the preamp and Frank is a saint in treatment of his customers compared to some other(s). 

Schiit isn't my favorite regarding customer service but they're certainly not terrible. For performance/dollar, the Freya+ is exceptional. Only caveat is if your system needs a balance control. 

@markf31
Not sure if you are aware, it’s a common practice to run a tube preamp in front of the PASS / Firstwatt amplifiers. If you’ve not seen or tried it, look up Korg NuTube on the firstwatt site http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_diy_nutube_preamp.pdf

A few reviewers and owners of FW and DIY amps also demoing these flat tube preamps past few years. When I was doing research on the early version ".8" Pass amps a few years ago, was quite surprised to learn from Nelson directly how many owners were already using my own Cary 6SN7 tube based preamp in front of Pass SS amps. He shared he has a "lot of customers using my same tube preamp with his amps". If you are truly looking for suggestions...

Your RP-600M and former RP160M predecessor speakers still tend to be a little bright and forward with the TracTrix. A few buddies with them use tube DACs and tube preamps in second systems, and softer input driver tubes. Folks are doing recent crossover updates on them now to help tame the RP-600Ms some more. A nice tube preamp in front of your Aleph SS amp can truly be an enjoyable way to go, fwiw.

Or, the AVA Vision SLR preamp you are considering has the switch:

• "High Filter - to tame excess brightness from low quality sources".

Best of luck on the preamp research and purchase.

Linear Tube Audio Micro ZOTL mz-2. I’ve paired it with a Pass XA-25 and it sounds wonderful. My Supratek Sauvignon is now sitting on a shelf.