2. amps-preamps
  3. 1001718638

Best Used tube Preamp 1700-- 2500: advice needed

I'm seriously shopping for a new (used) preamp that will outperform my VTL 2.5TL. Even tho I think the 2.5TL is a really excellent preamp for the $$$, reading about (presumably) better preamps has given me the urge to upgrade. Also, I'm thinking that in my system, it's the next logical component upgrade (?). (Rest of my system is ARC VT100 MkII, B&W Matrix 802 S3's, CAL 25 CD player, & Rega P25 with a Benz Glider).

My priorities: I'm seeking better sound-staging & imaging, & generally "better everything", sound wise. Remote control is important to me. I also listen to about 30% vinyl, so a built in phono pre would be nice (as I have with my current preamp), but I've resigned myself to probably shelling out for a separate phono pre. I'm a tube convert, so I'm mainly thinking of tube units. Looks & ergonomics could possibly sway me if the sonic qualities are there.

And I guess looking not just for a great preamp, but kind of one of those "hidden jewels" that perhaps perform like much more expensive units. Right now, I'm considering, in order of interest: the Joule Electra LA100, & the VTL 5.5TL. Also, the ARC LS25 MkII or REF One?--(sorting out all the various ARC models & upgrades can give one a headache, but it's a logical choice given my current ARC power amp), or a C-J Premier 17LS. Various BATS (VK-5i--or??) have interested me, but I always seem to read comments like, "this BAT is really good, but the soundstage (or whatever) isn't as good as an ARC, or other preamp, etc. etc." Then there's the CAT......which I'm kind of reluctantly ruling out because of no remote, but the optional built in phono pre would be really nice, & I do understand it's reputation. Naturally I'd consider others......Cary's, Bel Canto's, etc.

I'm thinking that these are all pretty excellent choices......& when I buy used components sight unheard it usually seems to come down to opportunity/price/my gut feeling/phase of the moon/lots of reading, advice. etc. Or, I could pick one, & hold out for that.......

Any advice on any of this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Steve
steveaudio
questforsound
126 posts
 
how about checking out the Granite Audio #770f.. wonderful tube preamp with a tube phono stage ...new for about $3000.00---- for specs .. check out our catalog on audiogon .. we are a showcase dealer or http://www.graniteaudio.com/amp/index.html

stephen
franks
151 posts
 
I'm at a little bit of a disadvantage as I have never heard the VTL 2.5, but here goes.

Obviously, an ARC front end would work well with your amp. The LS25 with a PH3 phono stage(around $1000 used and can be upgraded to the SE at your leisure) would be a nice combo but I doubt you could get the LS25 for $2500. Figure $3500-4000 for the pair plus another set of interconnects and your getting to the point where a used CAT ultimate(I know, no remote control) or Hovland 100 is possible,both of which would be a large stepup from where your at.

On the value front, you might want to consider an Audible Illusions M3A. In its latest version it offers amazing sound for the money and can be had used for about $1300-1700. It includes a MM phono(you didn't mention the output of your glider)But a moving coil option is availble for $500 and can be added at a latter date. I beleive remote control is available as an option but you should check with AI.

A "hidden jewel" that you may not have heard of would be my current preamp, an Atma-Sphere MP3. You've probably heard of their OTL amps, but they also make 2 preamps, the least expensive of which is the MP3 which lists for $3800 but if your lucky you might be able to find one used for around $2500. Sorry, no remote control but the sound is stunning. It replaced an excellent Audible Illusions M3 and the degree of improvement in speed, transparency and imaging kind of shocked me. It has a built in phono stage that can drive moving coils. It has only balanced inputs and outputs which means you can take advantage of the balanced inputs on your amp, but also means your going to have to change your phono cable to a balanced configuration(all phono cartridges have balanced output so maintaining a balanced connection into the preamp is the optimal way to go. Check out the Atma-Sphere website for more info and reviews. Have fun.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
can't go wrong w/ the joule. but it does not have built in phono. but MAN, hard to find anything it does wrong.

i picked up a used mk2 for $1200---the older models can be upgraded as you want, or you can enjoy (which i haven't stopped doing) and use the spare cash to buy the phono stage.

other ideas:
first sound
audible illusions (good luck if it breaks though--i've heard some stories re: customer service that scare me)
cat & lamm, but pricey.

good luck, the list / $$ you're talking about all but guarantees a dream unit.

rhyno
tacs
220 posts
 
I'm with Otto. The SA-11 is a very rare bird, and the original company is out of business, but Mike Elliott does still do upgrades on all his models.
Try finding a SA-5000 or 5.1 (includes phono) - already a great sounding piece - and considering having some mods done on it. Or even to the SA-1000. Sweet, detailed, organic sounding, top, bottom, midrange, it's all there. With some models, tube-regulated separate power supply (important sonically) and the possibility of converting to true tube-driven balanced output.
I had my SA-3000 modified and it really sounded outstanding.
Check it out: www.altavistaaudio.com
I'm just a satisfied customer, not an ad agent.
rbirke
144 posts
 
Rogue 99 with phono and remote, $2400 and you can get it for less once in a while. There is a "magnum" version with higher end componentry.

I have listened to a lot of preamps and I bought the Rogue. I think it performs as well as anything I have heard in the up-to-$5000 category.

It also has an inconvenient but available headphone jack (in the back)

It doesn't have balance control. Oh well.

Read Audioreview feedback on this. Something like 15 people have rated it a 5 of 5, and Mark O'Brien at Rogue is one of the great guys in audio.

I have Bryston 7B-st's and a Meridian 508-24. I'm into top-of-the-line-at-nonstratospheric-prices gear, and I think the 99 fits right in with the 7B's and the 508. It also adds tubes to an otherwise all transistor system.

Try it. You'll like it. It's a new classic.

And I have no financial or personal interest in the company!
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