2. amps-preamps
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Looking for preamp which is good at BOTH single-ended AND balanced output

I am looking for a preamp which sounds good at BOTH single-ended or Balanced output. My DAC has both single-ended and Balanced output. I have vintage tube amps which only allow single-ended input. I also have SS amp which only allows balanced input. I use both amps alternatively. Sometime I even use both together for bi-amp setting.

Is there any good used preamp under $3000 recommended? I have opportunity to get BAT VK-30SE or 31SE, I know they are good for balanced output, are they equally good for single-end output?
ccheung
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
another vote for Aesthetix
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
you should check w manufacturers as to your biamp plans…
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
768 posts
 
The Schiit Freya+ should be everything you need. If not, it will be quite close. $2000 left over to boot. 
ghdprentice
6,969 posts
 
I think the important thing is to buy the best possible preamp (with both)… the sound quality of the preamp is critical… in many ways the most important component in your system… the difference between the two in/outputs are likely to be small. Given your price restrictions, consider used. You could reach into the next echelon at the $5k level that way. Need to get a preamp which has a sound you really find appealing. For me that has always been Audio Research or Conrad Johnson. You will need to discover the brand that speaks to you. Listen to all you can.
celtic66
1,656 posts
 
Cannot satisfy your price point at full retail, but the Sugden LA-4 and the ATC preamps satisfy your needs as I understand them.  I own both of them and they are quite good and quite under the radar.
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