2. amps-preamps
  3. 162402-148003

Entry Level Tube Preamp or Higher Quality Used Model?

Hi All-

Overall I have great system that I’m happy with. But I recently heard a tube preamp and am smitten. There appear to be some well reviewed affordable models from Schiit Audio and Rogue, etc. that can be had for relatively short money. However for roughly the same price I can get a used piece from a traditionally higher quality brand like AudioResearch, Conrad Johnson, etc.

I’d like to stay around $1500 or less. Balanced operation would be good too. No phone pre section needed. The Schiit Freya+ Seems to be a good economical option. Are any of the new Chi-Fi brands worth a look? Does anyone have a recommendation?

thanks

glen
128x128spacecadet65
phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 
Having owned tubes pre-amps such as VAC AudioResearch, Jadis MAC and few other solid-state pre-amps. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Atma-Sphere MP-3 or even better the MP-1. It's more of a destination Pre-amp rather than something you will exchange over the years. It requires careful setup with Tubes & Placement. Once Dialed in the purity and magical experience is hard to beat. 

They are reliable and the designer stands behind his product support with passion. 


phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 
I forgot i also owned the BAT gear and Aesthetic Preamps which gave me reliability issues and was sold off within few months so i never had that much time on them. The BAT were ok but not a keeper. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The stated budget of the OP is in the range 1500.00 dollars. You won’t find either of those Atma-Sphere preamplifiers anywhere near that price used. In particular a used MP-1 would be multiples of 1.5K dollars. Most responders  are trying to   recommend options that fit the stated price range. I’m very familiar with the MP-1. It is excellent sounding but in an entirely different cost bracket.
Charles
smrex13
645 posts
 
Just a quick observation that many CJ and Audible Illusion preamps have very high gain (25-30ish db).  This is often too much, and you end up having very little usable range on the volume control. You might ask PS Audio how much gain they recommend with the Stellar.  I see that their Gain Cell Preamp has 12db, so that's probably a better range to shoot for.
phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 
I would look for a used MP-3 and see if you can push the budget a little more. the Pre-amp is the heart of the audio system.
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