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Best preamp for 2k-3k

I am ready to upgrade from my AR LS2 Preamp. In thi price range I am considering the AR LS 26, AR REF 2 and Sonic Frontiers Line 3. Amp rollers will include AR Classic 120 Quicksilver M 130 and Cary Audio SLM 100. Please advise.
yeyoaudio
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,616 posts
 
I have heard the LS26 in the same system compared to the Audio Valve Eclipse and TRL Dude preamps. Both the Eclipse and Dude preamps bested the AR LS26. The TRL Dude was easily the best of the group.

The Dude & Eclipse had much deeper and fuller bass response, larger stage size, better imaging and much better body and texture. The Dude separated itself from the group with its 3D stage and live sounding presentation. Music seemed to have more life and emotion all served up with amazing transparency and composure.

Problem is the Dude is $3800 new and may be out of your budget. The Eclipse can be had for $2200 or so when they show up used.

Another choice that surprised me greatly is the Bel Canto Pre 3.They can be had for $1000 used and it sounds very good. I would buy this over the LS26. Very sweet sounding with great resolution and musical at the same time. Based on your budget the Pre 3 would be a great choice and save you money. If you want the best sound possible, near your budget, go with the TRL Dude.
allchemie
118 posts
 
The Audio Horizon 2.2 can be had for MSRP $2,750. They offer many upgrades on their site if you ever want to take that route. It might not be the best looking unit out there, but its performance more than makes up for that.

Greg
mitch2
4,264 posts
 
It might not be the best looking unit out there
-IMO that's an understatement. I've always thought, for a preamp trying to compete in the mid-high end arena, and succeeding to a certain degree, they would do much better by putting even a small additional effort and cost into their exterior design and casework.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I'm still taking the Cary SLP98 in this price range, and I have heard all of those mentioned.

There's a reason that Cary has had this preamp in production for so long, it's really, really good.
rgd
656 posts
 
I've had a number of tube preamps in the past few years including Hovland, Rogue, Audio Horizons, Lamm and a ARC LS-26. It may be synergy thing with my Bryston monoblocks but my preference is:
1. LS-26
2. Lamm Ref2 (this was my favorite but it just had issues in my system and is out of your price range)
3. Lamm LL2 Deluxe
4. Hovland
5. Audio Horizons
6. Rogue Magnum 99

So its all system dependent for sure. I still the best bang for the buck was Lamm LL2 Deluxe.

I heard the Calypso in a friend's system and it was great except that it was finicky on noisy tubes. Never owned a Cary but a few friend's have and they work very well with Cary amps for sure.

Good luck in your search....
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