Preamp recommendation


In the market for a new pre-amp and looking for suggestions. I know this is very subjective to one’s tonal qualities so let’s consider all options in the $2k range.

My current system is analog and I have no interest in digital. Currently running VPI Scout, Elac Alchemy PPA-2, Parasound A21 and Q Acoustics 3050i.

I’m leaning towards a used Parasound JC-2 or Wyred4 Sound STP SE, both in the price range. I had a previous post considering the Jolida or Vincent but have decided not to go hybrid based on inconsistent reviews.

Thoughts?
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The sound system was essential to me and I used Parasound JC2 it produced very good sound, when I played geometry dash I needed it to sound so good.
I have discovered preamp's add value by the end of the seventies until the end of the eighties  in listening Conrad johnson vs audioresearch gears..

A local distributor and personal friend organised listening sessions outside opening hours of the store later in the evening...

They teamed up CJ and AR afficionados...

evey one was coming with its own unit and their vinyls...(no digital technologie at this time.except the 80 ties.)
you can imagine Audioreserch SP 6 SP6 A B C..... Conrad Jonhson pvé,premier two,premier three and so on..

This glorious "golden age" allowed to understand the subjective difference from a gear to another without any commercial consideration and to set up a real sound subjective culture for the audiophile involved in..

I have a Conrad Jjonhson collector PV 10A,PV8and PV9A designed  from 1989 to 1992

all are fitted with phono step..

I am very fond of the subjective sound balance of music rythm, soundstage, aeration and the weight of the note that gives music matters ,you gorget electronic presence avoiding  "hyper definition"...

This brand reach to save their product philosophie for years in keeping a consistant approach between vintage and current range of preamp's ....

"it just sound right!"

Raymond































I was lucky to find a used Einstein The tube mk2 for less than 40 percent of the list price in an audio forum, here in Norway. I mostly agree with the glowing review by Fremer in Stereophile - this preamp sounds like nothing, like a good preamp should do. It does have some sound of its own, though, which may fit in very well in your case. Both, the tube part of the amplification, and the hefty s-state power supplies. Delicate and powerful.