budget tube preamp dilema

Analogfreek,

In your price range, go with a tried and true classics like the Conrad Johnson PV10 or Counterpoint SA-3000. Both include a phono section that will probably be much better than your current NAD.

The Counterpoint can still be upgraded in steps by the original designer at Alta Vista Audio into a truly outstanding preamp. Another one to consider is the Audible Illusions Modulus 3.

All three of these have earned really strong reputations for good performance over the ears and will hold their value.

I have owned an Audio Experience tube preamp Line stage and it's nice but needs some upgrades to get it to sound it's best. I sold it. I went to a CJ PV5. Wonderful but
it's old and may require a $400 upgrade. I sold it! I then purchased an Audio Research LS9. Nice, wonderful sound but only 6 db of gain. Not enough for my speakers. I sold it too. So I took a chance on a VanAlstine Super Pas 3si (very similar to a Super PAS 4(i or si)and the next version is the Transcendent 4. The Super PAS 3 I have (VA design not Dynaco) is one of the best preamps I have ever owned. For sure the best over the past 5 years. It immediately tightened up the bass, gave me a wonderful soundstage with very good depth and I simply love it.

I'm using the Super PAS 3si with a modified Dynaco ST 70, driving a pair of Magnepan MG12QR's, with an Oppo 980 w a Scott Nixon Tube DAC, A Rotel phono and DB Audio phono stage(s). My analog setup is a Systemdek IV with a Rega RB600 and Audio Technia OC9MLII. It's wonderful. I want a little more power but the ST70 is playing very well at the moment. I call this my ultimate budget system.

The Counterpoint is a real nice preamp and fit's into your budget. Many audiophiles like this unit. Check out ebay for the Trancedence 4 preamp. You won't be disappointed.
All the ones mentioned are cut from the same cloth with sound characteristics.

There's a newly listed Music Reference RM5II that is listed @ $550 here on the 'Gon. You'll not find a sweeter sounding, more reliable, easy to maintain tube amp with a phono section for about $500 than that one. I've had one for over five years and it's an excellent preamp for the small price of admission. The RM5 was in production with minor alterations for over twenty years, a classic if ever there was one.

there is a TAD 150 (regular version, not signature) listed her on A'gon for $500 that's worth considering. (I have a TAD 150 signature, but have no relation to the seller). It has a MM/MC switchable phono, so you can sell your PP2. The TAD150 has the added bonus of remote control.

The Belari will not be a satisfactory solution for your requirement IMO. It has limited gain, and the volume control is cheap, not useful for full function purposes.

Hi,have you looked at the Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid pre amp.It has been called a giant killer by many.Many glowing reviews on line about it.Has no phono though.I have an unbuilt, unopened,one.Just never got around to building it.If you would be interested send me an email.Take care,keith