Are there any budget tubed preamps that stand out

I have a solid state mono block set with only digital source. I run Apogee speakers.
I have looked to Norh, Audio Mirror, and some others and need to be less than $700. Much less if possible.

andy

brownsanandy05-11-2006 10:46pm

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jalanc42069 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 131 posts 05-11-2006 at 11:20pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete How about a Bottlehead Foreplay kit or a Transendent Sound pre kit. There is a EAR 534L pre for sale now for 595. A used Quicksilver line stage, or ? I think these are all better than most new $700. chinese preamps. Lots of nice used preamps out there.
bdgregory Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,712 posts 05-12-2006 at 12:23am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Dared SL2000a. You should be able to find one used for ~$300. The one limitation is 2 inputs line stage only. OTOH it has remote volume control.
mattybumpkin Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 590 posts 05-12-2006 at 12:27am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Eastern Electric Minimax used, very nice pre.
bbro Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 191 posts 05-11-2006 at 11:57pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Chinese origins aside, a used Eastern Electric Min-Max (line stage only) tubed preamp with its rather elegant and simple circuit, can be had on Audiogon for about $600 or less. Per the (6 moons etc) reviews and many owners comments, this seems to be an exceptionally musical preamp.

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