2. amps-preamps
  3. 1346418325

Budget vacuum tube preamp?

I got so many great responses on my last thread regarding when to go vacuum vs solid I figured I would post my follow up in a separate thread.

It seems the way to go for the amount of maintenance I am willing to do is a vacuum preamp with solid amps. I would like to have the HT bypass so I can use my HT receiver for multi ch. movie listening.

With that said, I don't want to spend a fortune but I want to hear the benefit of my purchase. Where to look for a entry level vacuum preamp and how much should I be prepared to spend?

Thx
kooshballa
mechans
3,048 posts
 
AES AE-3 can buy new fancy models from Upscale Audio. AES is a Subdivisiuon of Cary Audio. If you can find a non jazzed up used model should cost well under $500. I paid $350 for mine. Great tone from the 6sn7S and very responsive to tube rolling.
bondmanp
1,831 posts
 
You can live without a theater bypass feature. I don't have one and I have a combo 2-channel/Home Theater system. The only thing you have to do is to select a repeatable reference volume setting on your stereo preamp. If your volume control is analog and not clearly marked, you could place a small mark or sticker on the preamp to indicate the reference level. Balance the surround settings for your HT system with the preamp set to that level, then just remember to set it at that level when firing up the surround sound.
wolf_garcia
6,742 posts
 
Pacific Valve sells something inexpensive called the "YS Audio A1" that looks killer as does the remote "V2R"...their "Doge 8" seems pretty cool also, and is well regarded. The "Jolida Fusion" is also a sweet preamp...I've heard one of those and it sounds amazing.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Anything from Cayin/VAS, used or new. Great value, great sound.
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