Which one would you buy

The rebuild on the less expensive unit looks good, but I used Yellow Illinois coupling caps on mine @ the recommendation of the friend who rebuilt it (he used Orange coupling caps in my Dynaco gear).

The only time we disagreed was when he wanted to put a brass nut on my Ibanez PF300.

DeKay

The rebuild on the less expensive unit looks good, but I used Yellow Illinois coupling caps on mine @ the recommendation of the friend who rebuilt it (he used Orange coupling caps in my Dynaco gear).

@devinplombier  Yes, years ago I had a great tech who recommened & used Illinois Caps on vintage rebuilds. I’ve had Eicos & Heathkits done with both IC’s and Orange Drops. Never any problem with either of these caps. Looks like the H&H unit (yes, they are not the rebuilder - just passing it along) uses both of these caps. Also looks like they may have replaced the multi-section can cap with a standard electrolytic, which is OK - it works fine. The CE can cap used by Sky-Fi is a more premuim option. 

But this is also a good opportunity to work in my regular "Alps Blue Velvet" pot bashing, which Sky-Fi advertises as using in their unit. I absolutely HATE that pot; it always ruins the sound quality. Almost anything else is better.  

But this is also a good opportunity to work in my regular "Alps Blue Velvet" pot bashing, which Sky-Fi advertises as using in their unit.

@mulveling 

100% agreed, though honestly there are worse offenders out there than this little $855 amp.

To wit, from the product page of a $5,995 preamp:

Look inside the most well-known brand of tube preamps and you will see a chip called a DS1666-10 Digital Resistor IC. At Primaluna, we understand the temptation to use this chip as they cost $4 each (half that in quantity!). The preamp will sound fine and be quiet, but true to “chips” it will add an electronic “sheen” to the sound. PrimaLuna prefers analogue. And we use the Gold Standard in motorized potentiometers:  The iconic Alps Blue Velvet. Why? Because they track perfectly, stay quiet, and don’t sound like chips!

https://www.primaluna-usa.com/primaluna-evo-400-tube-preamplifier

@devinplombier We all hate the Alps BV! I replaced the volume pot on my tube preamplifier.

Sky-fi has been driving up prices for years on equipment that does not come close to what it’s worth. I honestly think they are money laundering, can’t come to any other reason for some of their pricing. I would never buy from them. The other seems a like a reasonable priced unit and looks to be in good shape.