High end tube Preamp under $4k used that competes

IMO I find the post above to be inappropriate.
Sorry, but I felt it had to be said

Tom, I understand your point, but in this particular case I for one don't feel that it is inappropriate. It is very clear that Ralph is the manufacturer of the product he is suggesting as an option. He is suggesting it as an option in used form, which will not directly benefit him (at least with respect to the op's potential purchase). His numerous contributions to this forum have always been, imo, well intended and helpful. And when recommendations of specific brand names have been involved, his comments have clearly been as balanced and impartial as one could hope for from a manufactuer who competes among those products.

Just my $.02. I have no relationship, btw, to any of the manufacturers mentioned so far in this thread, not even as an owner.

Regards,
-- Al

Al, I agree with you.

Hello Al and Foster,

In my view in a public forum such as Audiogon any and all subjective opinion should not be allowed by a manufacture when commenting about their own products, "especially" when comparing it subjectively to another specific product. To me, this clearly stepped over that line. IMO I also see the intent of the post as a way to try and drum up immediate or future business for the manufacturer.

Foster, whatever you decide good luck in your preamp search,

best,
Tom

I guess I am a homey, but a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 with Chris Johnson's SE+ mod represents IMHO 90 - 95% of what's out there, allowing for personal tastes.

Buy a stock Line 3 for $2,200 or less on Audiogon, send it to Chris for a SE+ mod (with Teflon V-Caps = $1,700) and you have a fully-balanced, reference tube line stage for about $4,000 with SE and XLR ins (four each) and dual RCA and XLR outs - separate, full chassis PS, too.

I have seen Line 3s WITH the SE+ mod for a bit north of $3,000.

Flyfish thanks for the suggestion. However, I've been the route of having modifications done before, and if or when the time comes to sell the modified gear, you'll lose your shirt on the funds invested in the modification, and end up selling for what a stock unit would sell for.

At this point, with no ability to audition, I'm torn between the BAT VK51-SE and the Cary SLP-05.