2. amps-preamps
  3. 161062-152187

Budget Tube Preamp ($2000)

Hello guys,
First post here!

I am in the market for a tube preamplifier for my current system, to add a bit of warmth. My budget is under $2000, the cheaper the better, Mainly looking at the used market (I love great deals). 
My build currently:
- Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers
- Project Debut Carbon Turntable
- Marantz Cd5005 CD player
- Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
- Rotel RB 1582 Mkii Power Amp

If you guys have suggestions, I appreciate it a lot! For the inputs, if the preamp has XLR that would be great as I'm currently running my Azur 851N to my amp through a balanced connection and it sounds pretty good. This is not completely necessary though. 

Thanks!


128x128saltboy
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
saltboy you must be living under a rock.

Ya canna go past the Schiit Freya, even if it were $2K!! and it won’t cost that much!!
And it’s 3 preamps in one to suit you moods, also has the best mechanical volume control you can get, all remote controled Balanced or SE.
https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

Cheers George
celtic66
1,671 posts
 
Manley Jumbo Shrimp used and upgrade the tubes through Upscale Audio.  Patrick Cullen Crossover II PC to complete the deal.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Your speakers are 90dB which is great. I don't advise on separates as they're too low value for me. For less than you will have in your separates you could have a PL or Raven integrated that will not need the extra interconnect and power cord to sound better. Don't be put off by 20 vs 200 watts, either a Nighthawk or PL has more than enough power for those speakers. 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
lots of good choices out there for 2 grand used

surf a-gon and us audiomart

if you must have balanced topology then the selection narrows a good bit


yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,718 posts
 
What are you using for your phono?
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