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Tube Preamp - What to buy?

Looking to take my first venture into the tube world and going with a tube preamp.  My budget is up to $2500 and willing to buy used or new however realize with my budget that used is probably a better path. I would like to have a built-in MM phone stage.  I am use to having a remote and tone controls, so that would be nice however not a necessity.  

For further information my speakers are Revel Performa3 F206 and the current amp(s) is Conrad Johnson SA-250 and I also have a Rotel RB1552.  I many be looking for an amp upgrade in the future, but one thing at a time. 

So far I have been looking at used Audio Research and Conrad Johnson preamps but very open to opinions on brand and model.  Thanks and I look forward to your opinions and experiences.  
speter04
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
@rbmaudio1 Counterpoint gear is not nearly as hard to service as urban myth has it and there is no need to "rebuild" with new boards all the time.  I have 2 of each of the popular models (SA100, SA20, NPS200, and NPS400) and I service them myself.  All the old SA'sI have I purchase them in junk condition and replace the mosfets and they sing.  While every otherexpert will say they need a rebuild or trash them, it is possible to use new production Vishay TO247 Hexfets in them and those output devices are very cheap unlike the mythical Exicons.  
The preamps are real easy to deal with even the SA5000 (not the SA11 though).
pointtrucking
30 posts
 
Why you guys keep Recommending Rogue audio preamp. Rp 1-7.  These are awful.  Go for Modwright or Cary
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,906 posts
 
+1 @donsachs You make a great preamp which is a stone cold bargain when compared to anything that might be considered competition.

Oz
mirage-71
10 posts
 
Hey there 

I would strongly consider 

Primaluna Dialogue tube pre amp.
for the price its very hard to beat even at 2 times the cost !

Good luck 
linnlp12
79 posts
 
I concur with the recommendations on EAR.  Just picked up an 868PL.  Wanted to see if the hype was real.  As a previous poster stated I put some Siemens/Holland NOS tubes in (it actually had 6DJ8 types there from factory).  Biggest pleasant surprise of my life.  For me the hype is confirmed real.  Dan Meinwald has been very patient with my questions so I can also state great customer support.  I also researched Troels Graveson pages on these EAR preamps.  Give this preamp my highest recommendation. You will get lots of opinions, overwhelming.   Suggest give this a listen, you may discover a real gem.  
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