ARC or VAC ASAP!!!
Looking for a tube Preamp new or used for under $2000...
Hi all,
I am looking for a tube preamp for my Parasound A21 amp. I currently have a Parasound p6 preamp, but have been told that a “Tube” preamp not a SS preamp would make a huge improvement. My budget is $2k however, I would prefer to spend less! I am looking at McIntosh and audio research preamps. I am willing to purchase an older preamp, but not one that I would need to send it into be serviced. Any suggestions? Thanks!
I am looking for a tube preamp for my Parasound A21 amp. I currently have a Parasound p6 preamp, but have been told that a “Tube” preamp not a SS preamp would make a huge improvement. My budget is $2k however, I would prefer to spend less! I am looking at McIntosh and audio research preamps. I am willing to purchase an older preamp, but not one that I would need to send it into be serviced. Any suggestions? Thanks!
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- 50 posts total
Matt, if you can solder, have patience, identify components and are not a "glitz queen", then this Japanese TU-8500 is a killer tube preamp for only $550!!!!. MM & MC phono inputs, high or low switchable preamp gain. Better than probably anything else up to $2k. 6 parts to this review https://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.com/2015/03/review-elekit-tu-8500-full-function.html https://www.monoandstereo.com/2017/05/the-greatest-bang-for-buck-elekit-tu.html https://tubedepot.com/products/elekit-tu-8500-stereo-tube-preamplifier-kit https://www.elekit.co.jp/en/product/TU-8500 Cheers George |
Check out a used Ultraverve by deHavilland. I had integrated amps and separates based on 12Au7 tubes for years, then tried this 6sn7 signal tube based pre. In my system the 6sn7 pre gave me what I was looking for, bigger soundstage, instruments and voices just sounded more natural. Just my experience. Everyones ears are different. Rolling that 6sn7 was much cheaper also. I was surprised how much impact a preamp has on a system. |
- 50 posts total