Adcom pre amp versus Van Alstine

The Emotiva DAC/PRE (Xda 3) is a worthwhile option <$699, true balanced. Very nice YouTube review

Can't remember what the model was, but may years ago I owned the top of the line Adcom Pre and really liked it.  They are so old now I would be very worried that the caps are drying out and the SQ will degrade.  

apples (Gala) and apples (Heirloom)? 

rick_n: I agree with your post regarding old audio gear.  All electronics have a life span.  Does one really save $ buying old/used components when you consider how much life is left on that product?  Been there done that many times. I now prefer to stick with new.    

You could call Frank at AVA and ask him if he has any used units coming in that he could go through and check out for ya. imo, pick the one tested with the lowest noise, and the fewest number of bits/parts inside if you care about sound quality. 

Doing some searching around just now on Hifishark, there are a few nice ones out there. Between the two, for sound quality I'd take a Van Alstine preamp every time.