I sold Mac for years and they are great products maybe not last word in resultion (both tube and SS) but musical.Newer CJ stuff is better than older but still very "tubey" (warm and plenty of "bloom").I am not sure about ET-2 but am sure it's better than PV series.with lot's of bloom though they have cut down noise.Check Modwright 9 SE or a used BAT.I mention the Bat because they allow for mono and polarity and there are a few used that would be available.A old standby is the Audible Illusions 3 is same design for years because it does offer value.The Cary is good.If you can go with minimalist design look up a used Dodd Battery powered pre.Maybe a tad more than your budget $3K new)but tubed and quiet as hell since it's off AC grid.
Best Tube Preamp with Phono under $2000 ?
What is the best tube pre-amp with a MM phono stage under $2000?
I have been looking at CJ ET-2 and McIntosh ; theyare both in the 4K-5K range.
What is the best "value-for-money" tube pre-amp in the 2K range that includes a decent phono stage?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
-Anu
I have been looking at CJ ET-2 and McIntosh ; theyare both in the 4K-5K range.
What is the best "value-for-money" tube pre-amp in the 2K range that includes a decent phono stage?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
-Anu