2. amps-preamps
  3. 1407698474

Suggestions? Tubed linestage pre-amp??

Budget <$3500. Would prefer new but not ruling out newer used. Do not need a phono stage or DAC, so linestage (tubed not ss) - but don't want passive...need some gain.

Just starting to put together a short list. Looking to upgrade the Consonance Reference 50 pre I'm using. Hoping to find dealers allowing in-home audition or money back trial period.

On the list so far:
Doge 8 SCR
Eastern Electric Minimax
PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium

Checked past threads to see if this might have been covered. Couldn't find it. If there's something relatively current I missed, do please point me to it.

Thanks in advance for your help.
128x128ghosthouse
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,316 posts
 
Appreciate the additional suggestions.
I'll look into the Calypso, Jperry. Hope it isn't near the uber bucks price of their Callisto though.

Sean - thanks for the Don Allen recommendation. I had come across his name before but didn't have him on my list.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
For around $1,000-$1500 you might be able to find a Modwright SWL 9.0 (no balanced) This uses a 5AR4 and 2 5687's Very tonally Beautiful and sweet , very open up top and solid in the bottom.. guitars and vocals really shine. ALSO, Check out the Dehavilland Ultraverve 3 it uses a 5AW4 for power and 1 6NS7 and 2 X 6AH4's. New around $2500......Kicks the Doge 8 Claritys butt!! AND I just purchased a BAT VK31se (4x6H30) for $2000 and it is very articulate and accurate, awesome dynamics and control. A great buy right now IMO.
jafox
1,459 posts
 
Ghost - The Callisto is more $ for good reasonÂ….the Calypso sounds like a toy compared to the Callisto.
joey_v
668 posts
 
Cary 98.
jperry
2,452 posts
 
The Calypso is less than half the list price of the Callisto, and is your price range used. I think there is one listed now for $2,400. No relationship with buyer, but I own one, like it, and think it is a great performer, especially at the used price.

And when you get down to it all of this stuff is a bunch of expensive toys ;-)
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