audio horizons-Unhappy & Why

For about $1K NOS Upscale and Audio Advispor you can still pick up the AE-3 a Cary sub brand. It uses a rectifier in the mkII and a pair 6SN7s. They are the least expensive tube and easiest to roll. It has remote but only rca inputs and no phono.
The one thing it does superbly is image like mad. It's really a great little pre. If you want a phono then you have to use a seperate phono stage. That might be a deal breaker for you.
The used ones are less than $500 bucks mine is a mark I no remote cost me $300 used here and couldn't be more pleased. I found that it responds very well to using different tubes but they all sound good just some are better than good.

Well he does say try to steer him away from the Audio Horizons, no reason given. He asks specifically for alternatives to think about.
I am not commenting on how good or bad it sounds.
He is suffering having to make major decision. Perhaps your reassurances is all he needs. I simply told him of the pleasure I now have.