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
Well, three tube preamps that could be purchased new at your budget I would consider are the Quicksilver mentioned by Hide45, the Schiit preamps mentioned by George, or one by Aric Audio (check out website). 

As per yogiboy, what phonostage are you using?


Just to add to @mesch suggestions, people have really had good experiences with this smaller maker, too: http://www.erhard-audio.com/
I don't advise on separates as they're too low value for me.

Question: so why even post on this thread? Answer: to promote your agenda of what should be the best approach to audio and to promote the brands you like (even if you've never owned).  

Op,
    Whichever product you choose, consider how you will use the piece in regular listening.  For me, I like to roll tubes so having easy access with exposed tubes allows for me to do this without a major disassembly process and moving the components, wires etc.  Having the ability to put the tubes in standby or bypass mode is also very nice if you are a 24/7 power on listener.  While some chime on about difficulty in locating them, I find the 6SN7 NOS tubes very pleasing to my ears. Particularly the KenRad JAN VT231 and the Melz1578. Good Luck in your search, there is more to this than just a brand name and a dollar amount. 
consider how you will use the piece in regular listening. For me, I like to roll tubes so having easy access with exposed tubes allows for me to do this without a major disassembly process and moving the components, wires etc. Having the ability to put the tubes in standby or bypass mode is also very nice if you are a 24/7 power on listener. While some chime on about difficulty in locating them, I find the 6SN7 NOS tubes very pleasing to my ears


very much agree with the above - good luck