Best tube pre-amps under $1,000

I can't comment on what a new 1K or less pre-amp or less today sounds like, or more importantly how it would sound in a given system. My thoughts would be you would have better results with an acknowledged great preamp from the past maybe 20-25 years ago where you aren't compromising as much to meet a price point.

Any of the older Conrad-Johnson pre-amps would be something to consider as well as ARC maybe an SP-6 or SP-8. CJ's of that era might not be as good in bass control as the ARC's but so far as overall musicality goes, either would beat most of what you will find at 1K new today is my best bet, YMMV. I know where I would go, even an old CAT if you can find one at this price point would be better in almost all ways. You might want to try one. One thing for certain, you aren't going to lose anything for trying as these units can EASILY be resold for what you paid. Do some research and find out what you can. Stereophile archives can help with this. Good CJ include the PV-7, PV-5, PV-10, Premier 3 (good luck with that one!) and pretty much all the PV's.

I just read the previous inquiry this guy made last year and noted no response from him on that thread or this one. This guy it seems is just a troller. It doesn't seem he is serious or really interested but maybe to the others that are in the same boat, hope some of the above helps guide you.

I made the plunge a few months back on a TAD150 that cam up on the gon. After only a short listening session, I decided to purchase different tubes in an effort to achieve silky mids and larger soundstage. I 've tried sylvania 12at7 WA JHS (unmatched set) and recently purchased a matched pair of NOS Mazda 12at7 from Brent Jesse. The mazda's only have 15hrs on them- so I am hoping they change after full burn-in????

I am beginning to think the only way to achieve the silky mids & 3-d soundstage maybe with a pre with tube rectification such as Mapletree or juicy peach(bluberry). I''ve heard good things about belles 21A with aurua cap upgrade???

PrimaLuna Prologue 3. U can get it around 900 used.

I would get a new Mapletree Audio linestage or full funtion preamp at this price point and even if I could afford considerably higher. Not audio jewelry (thick aluminium or steel face plates, etc) but well thouhght innards and curcuit design and tube rectification in a second chassis - VERY hard to beat at the price and well beyond.