6sn7 and 12sn7 octal preamp for under $5k


Love the sound of octal tubes in preamps (6sn7 & 12sn7). Looking for the best sounding (with phono preferably but not a deal breaker) for the area of $3k-5k new or used does not matter.
jeremy72
The Atma-Sphere MP-1 has an all-octal line section but you won't find that in your price range used. The MP-3 uses a combination in the line stage and used they will be in the right range.
Thanks Phil. That helps me a lot actually and also just hearing the way you interpret the system helps me understand how to better make improvements across my system. I believe that I have quite an uneven dynamic response ( I interpret this to mean that certain songs sound great at times, and then with changes in dynamics, I get a huge volume swing and feel the need to turn the song down for a few seconds), and the tone of my system is a bit off with regards to stringed instruments. That may be a reflection of the change in speakers from Zu to Tekton, but it could be the change in Pre and amp also. I will definitely keep this in mind going forward. Thanks again.......
I can't comment on Phil's assessments of the Melody or Valvet as I have never heard either, and will simply differ in opinion on the Modwright LS100. I haven't experienced "less than the whole note" using Black Treasure cv181s and Philips rectifier, but that is just my ears.