Best Options For A Tubed Preamp - $2500 Or Less, Preferably Used To Maximize Value


As the title says, I'm interested in your thoughts on what are the ebst options for a tube based preamp, $2500 or under. I generally buy used to maximize what I can get. Definitely prefer a warmer sound signature, but not to the degree where details and impact are lost. 

What are the best values out there, in this price range, in your opinion? Any expertise, perspectives and experience greatly appreciated. Thanks. 

nightfall

@nightfall 

I have heard great things about the deHavilland preamp in the past. Honestly, if there were one available, I would have snatched it up before even beginning this discussion. However, a check I made at hifishark.com indicates that exactly one of these has been sold online since September of 2022. 

My search on hifi shark shows 8 in 2023 alone. Not sure what your filters are, but this is not that rare.

 and then click "expired" and sort by date.

My only filter was items for sale/sold in North America. It showed one sold in August of 2023, and the last one before that in August of 2-22! I just realized that my search did not include ones people labeled Ultraverve 3 vs III, that appears to be the issue. 

Here is the link:

 

 

@nightfall  Search terms can be tricky. Try searching for just dehavilland.

Anyway, you sound like you're wanting something faster than that, but for me, this is an end-game model.

 

hilde45’s avatar

hilde45

@nightfall Search terms can be tricky. Try searching for just dehavilland.

"Anyway, you sound like you’re wanting something faster than that, but for me, this is an end-game model."

I would certainly like something sooner, but may hold out a bit in hopes a deHavilland pops up. I just have the feeling it may well be my best option. And affordable too.

Other options I am considering are the very highly thought of Lab 12 Pre 1, which I can buy new in my budget, a used Cary SLP-98L, a classic Conrad Johnson, and a Backert Rhumba 1.1.