High end tube Preamp under $4k used that competes


with or betters the Cary SLP 05. (is there such a preamp?) Looking for suggestions in a tubed preamp on the used market to go with a solid state amplifier (60k ohm input impedance).

This preamp should have:
1. the bass, heft, weight, solidity of the SLP 05

2. clarity and highs that are crisp and extended/ not rolled off

3. some tube sound/ as opposed to solid state

4. some warmth yet detailed

5. dynamics

Thanks
foster_9

Showing 1 response by flyfish2002

I guess I am a homey, but a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 with Chris Johnson's SE+ mod represents IMHO 90 - 95% of what's out there, allowing for personal tastes.

Buy a stock Line 3 for $2,200 or less on Audiogon, send it to Chris for a SE+ mod (with Teflon V-Caps = $1,700) and you have a fully-balanced, reference tube line stage for about $4,000 with SE and XLR ins (four each) and dual RCA and XLR outs - separate, full chassis PS, too.

I have seen Line 3s WITH the SE+ mod for a bit north of $3,000.