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
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
@jjss49 Jeebus, is this good advice.

I bought a solid state amp to supplement my tube amp -- just to have for fun and kicks, and the occasional quick listen (in case the tubes don't have time to warm up) -- and I now use it a lot! Just goes to show how much of an overall *practice* listening is. 

If I start to roll tubes on my preamp more often, I may just have to take the cover off. 18 screws are too many!
@hilde45
I have the same QS preamp that you have. Two screws, one screw on two opposite corners is enough to hold the cover down without any movement!