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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. 

nightfall
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
382 posts
 

I have several preamps, among them Coincident Statement, Cary SLP-98 and a LTA mz-2. My favorite is my Dodd audio preamp. Might be hard to find, but well worth it. It is dead quiet!

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
382 posts
 

I also have a Supratek preamp and it is really good!

 

mazian's avatar
mazian
415 posts
 

@bunkertoy The main differences are that the Aesthetix is more traditional tube like in SQ and is slightly noisier than the VTA 5.5. I've also had the VTA 2.5 and rate it the value preamp in the VTA range. I don't think the upgrade to the 5.5 is really worth it as the 2.5 is a damn good preamp 

jrwaudio
354 posts
 

I have the ARC ls15 that I bought in 1995 and still using it to this day with not one issue I've done one tube replacement  It does have a remote control I'm thinking of you could fine one used, you can't go wrong 

mike4597
107 posts
 

The Rogue Audio RP-1 sells for less than that new.  The RP-5 probably would be in that range used.  I went from the quite good RP-1 to the RP-7, with which I am very pleased.

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