Line Stage Preamps that blew you away $2500 Edition

@jackd

Thanks kindly for the comparative insight between the Sachs and Supratek preamps. In reading all the great reviews previously I was really tempted to try a Sachs pre. Your observations align with others I’ve heard.

@gochurchgp

Jack is correct, the Supratek it’s adjustable gain. What makes a Suprtek pre stand out is it dynamics, PRAT, body and palpability. It just more real than most in this price range. Plus it does not lay poor recordings threadbare. As Mark indicated, the music will just grab you and you’ll be fully emotionally engaged, tap your toes and forget about the equipment.

Reiterating the superb value of the $2500 Rogue Audio RH-5 linestage / headphone amp.  An exceptionally clean, dynamic sound.

*Two 12AU7

*XLR input and output, a true balanced design. 

*Dual transformer Linear Power Supply.

*Stereophile Class A

*3-way adjustable gain. 

*Superb lifetime support from Rogue Audio. 

Find a used Sonic Frontiers, SFL-1 for under a grand and play around with tubes - will shock you. Spend a little more and get a Manley, Shrimp. Have 1st hand experience with both of these playing tube amps and SS. Each are equally rewarding. Both a bit colored but in exceptional ways - match amps accordingly and you'll really enjoy the experiences the provide. Just my opinion. 

The Doug Sach's 2, DS2 should be in that price range and using 6SN7 tubes it is one awesome preamp. Doug has managed to master quiet power so that it doesn’t get in the way of the sound, and has found components that has the most minimal impact on the sound. After a lifetime of modifying Harmon Carden Citation and Macintosh equipment he found a design that is superior to those venerable tube component manufacturers. I have had too many preamps. Put Linlie E6SN7 tubes in the output stage and the preamp appears to disappear. He'll also match the outputs impedance to up to 2 amplifiers.