How long is it taking to receive a preamp?

Some hi end manuf are likely struggling.  They are micro businesses.  If they go under, very little can be done.

i am not gonna give a 50% deposit and risk losing it.

And many are raising prices?

What makes you think that audio firms with an unprecedented backlog of orders are generally in danger of going under? That’s counterintuitive. It reminds me of the Yogi Berra quote when talking about a restaurant "Nobody goes there anymore, its too crowded".

If you are unwilling to place an order and wait for it your only options for new gear will be from those dealers who stock or manufacturers who may not be experiencing a windfall of orders (which may also be a danger signal) or occasionally there is a manufacturer capable of scaling up quickly. That gear will likely be pcb based with snap/screw final assembly. Point to point/hand made gear...there is a lead time, especially if the gear is good/sought after.

Then, there is the used route which is also a great avenue but prices for great used gear is on the rise as well.

Because they have minimal cash flow.  Backlog is meaningless if no sales.

cant pay employees.

I hope they are doing OK over there but there’s no way they didn’t get my contact through their site, I did it 3 separate times , 3 different devices, 2 email addresses...  

I trip over myself to get back to
my customers when they contact via any medium 

It is really a “ it’s that good you’ll wait” mentality over there , especially on the forum. One word out of line and you find it’s not such a friendly forum.  Never I have I felt more unwelcome from just asking a question 

So many people out there building amps , they are not the only game in town for custom flea watt amps

@emergingsoul 

Because they have minimal cash flow.  Backlog is meaningless if no sales.cant pay employees.

No offense intended whatsoever, but your logic isn't making sense. Your original premise is you are uncomfortable paying a 50% deposit in advance of ordering an item. The only way to have a backlog of orders(sales) is if people like you and I have ordered gear AND paid the required deposit.

So, in this example, they DO have sales AND the cash to pay employees.