Used Preamp for $2000 to $3000

I'm a little biased towards the Placette passive right now since I own one. You can get a brand new one for less than that. Call up Placette, Guy should be able to answer any of your questions. You have 30 days to try it out.

I second the Joule Electra, either the LA-150 or LA-100 MkIII. A couple used ones here now under $3k and $2k respectively. The LA-150 gives you greater dynamics and extension from top to bottom, but the LA-100 possesses a bit more of the tube sound and lushness I prefer.

I'll second the Herron VTSP-1a/166. Wonderful preamp for full price and a steal at its current used price of less than 2k.

I used to own the Joule-Electra LA-100 MkIII which is also an nice pre, albeit more lush sounding than real life and a bit lazy without the right power cord.

I'm hankering for the Herron VTSP-2.

I'm going to toss in my Chapter Audio Preface preamp that I recently put up for sale on Agon for $2900. I've owned a number of preamps including the Placette Active Linestage, Pass Labs X2.5, X-1, and a few others, and this 1.5 year old $8500 msrp unit edged out that competition performance-wise.

It also happens to be the most handsome preamp I've owned (if you're into that kind a' thing). Especially in the dark.

I'm selling only because I no longer need a preamp with my new APL 3910 (if it ever arrives).

Thanks for the opportunity to advertise for free. :)

-IMO

First Sound Presence Deluxe? Super dynamic, quiet and absolutely transparent.