2. amps-preamps
  3. 963349835

What'sBest Deal Tube PreAmp New or Used?

I've solved my amp problems by going solid state, but still want some tubes in my pre. Trouble is I've spent all my money on my amp. Anyone know a best deal in a tube pre that'll keep me happy until I can save up for a real nice one? If I liquidate my Aragon pre, I figure i'll have about 350 or 400 for a tube. Conrad Johnson PV-10?
todd_crosby59c4
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Lihifiguy is right on about the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1. At $500. to 650. used, it is an excellent pre-amp. Stereophile Class B in its day-- it only has one tube but yields genuine "tube" qualities that can be easily (and cheaply) changed to suit your taste with aftermarket tubes, eg NOS. I used the SFL-1 for 3 years. Good Hunting. Craig
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
The PV-10 or the Anthem sound good to me. The Anthem will sound more like solid state than the CJ.
lihifiguy
126 posts
 
Perhaps, but it will not be as analytical and cold as s/s preamps.The one that I had in my system and in its price range basically did the best of both worlds.I replaced it with an SFL-1 Signature that had more detail and did everything else just a tad better.Then I replaced that with the latest version of the Audible illusions M3A.BTW,what most do not know is that each year the M3A goes through multiple refinement upgrades.On the other side of the coin their service is nothing to right home about.Happy listening.
box
1 posts
 
I know I'm a little late to the party, but I'll give another recommendation (fourth one?) for the SFL-1. As the others have said, it's well worth it to stretch your budget a little in order to have more options. The SFL-1 holds its worth very well, so if you don't like it you can get your money back. Plus there's only one tube to change for easy tube rolling. I've seen a couple here for $700 and one for $650. Good Luck.
lynch34
8 posts
 
I guess we're in unison, the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 gets the call. I've never seen such agreement on this board. I got mine for $495 more than one year ago. I'm very happy with it; I just wish it were remote-compatible.
More to discover