Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
As the title says, I am pondering my best options for purchasing a tube based preamp for $2k or under. Must have a remote!
Your opinions, thoughts, and expertise would be greatly appreciated. If I was spending more, I would know most of the best choices, but I'm on unfamiliar ground at this price limit. But sometimes, you can only do what you can do.
Thanks for any help.
@mazian What's the sound signature of the Aesthetix Calypso, compared to VTL ? I would love to upgrade my VTL 2.5 to a VTL 5.5(balanced ins/Outs) I've heard it's a big jump. seems to be double the price of a used VTL 2.5. BTW, I'm different than most, I think the communication with VTL is very good. Lots of haters for VTL service. |
Audio Research SP-9 $1250 on eBay. Seller notes recent service and excellent overall condition, manual and spare tubes. This is a screaming deal from a recognized high end brand. I would add that the adjustable gain allows proper gainstaging and optimized signal/noise ratio that is simply unachievable with other preamps lacking that ability. That translates to greater transparency, definition, detail, and soundstaging, all of which require a low noise floor. If i wasn't preamp heavy right now I'd buy this myself. |
