2. amps-preamps
  3. 159623-149763

Tubed Preamp recommendations?

Hi all- so im looking for a tubed preamp (used) in the $1k-$1.5 (max) range. I can’t decide. the list of contenders is too strong...I was looking at a PrimaLuna 3, BAT Vk30 as well as various ARC’s..then a Levinson 38 popped up...wow.
I prefer my sound on the warm and silky side of things..but not dark/syrupy. Thoughts, comments are much appreciated.

My system: Meridian 556, Musical Paradise tubed DAC, bluesound Node2i, Schiit Saga/Psvane, KEF Q150, pinetree audio IC’s/Cords throughout, MonsterPower line conditioner.
128x128jl1ny
rongold's avatar
rongold
49 posts
 
You are right, there are a lot of fine Preamps out there. I had a used Audible Illusions for 15 years with No trouble.  I upgraded to a new Audible Illusions L3 last May and have been exstatic with it. Audible Illusions is an older brand and not in vogue currently, but there are a # of used units in your price range. Check out the review of Audible Illusion units in last years The Absolute Sound, impressive! Go to the Audible Illusions website for the review!
parker65310
212 posts
 
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) rarely gets any love in Audiogon discussions, but I’ve had their tube preamps for a long time. I couldn’t be happier with my early generation VK-5i preamp (Coupled with a VK-600 with bat pack amp). Their designer has always been a former rocket scientist ,Victor Khomenko, who has very sound designs that always have lots of headroom with great sound. You can’t go wrong with any of their components.
galacticmayan's avatar
galacticmayan
20 posts
 
Used Cary Audio, Rogue Audio or PrimaLuna would fit the bill
jdjohn's avatar
jdjohn
39 posts
 
Don Sachs Model 2, which is basically a tubes4hifi SP14 with better parts.  You'd have to shop used and probably stretch your budget a little more.
vinylrestingplace's avatar
vinylrestingplace
33 posts
 
You had better check the input impedance of your Meridian amp (I don't see it published anywhere) to make sure it at least 10x the output impedance of the preamp you are considering. Unless by "warm and silky" you like rolled off highs.
More to discover