Line Stage Preamps that blew you away $2500 Edition

@ Jackd

I’m very intrigued by the fact you own a Sachs and a Supratek. Understanding you have the latest Sachs, can you share which Supratek you have and a deeper insight to the differences if you could please?

@ gochurchgo

you received some very knowledgeable comments for preamps in your budget range. Over the years there is a consistent chorus of praises for certain brands which not only included SQ aspects, it a good indication about reliability and serviceability.

So far this thread has highlighted bankable names like; Supratek, Sachs, Herron, Zesto, Backhert, and deHaviland. While there will be house sound qualities to each, everyone in there own right are outstanding performers. Buy any one used, and it’s never a problem if your not happy to sell it. The challenge is being patient enough for the right one to come up at a fair price.

Good brands just re-sell easily, and fast. Although this comment is about a phono stage, it’s still illustrative of a prudent choice. The highly regarded Herron phono stage is a great example, selling one would only take a day or two. (Even before it was discontinued!) Same for the majority of the brands we’re discussing here.

The only other preamps I’ve not seen mentioned that are to my ears solid values and SQ performers are Wyetech and Atma Sphere. I love a good preamp, what has satisfied my ears most consistently are 6SN7 based versions. There just seams to just have more grunt, body and flesh with this tube type, a deeper emotional connection with the music with a well designed version. My MFA Lumi is another great sample, tho above the stated price range.

(Bold indicates 6SN7)

The other important aspect is the micro and macro dynamics. A pre that preserves more of the dynamics is a great sonic asset - it just sounds more alive. Some do it better than others.

I see you’ve also asked about a phono stage in another post, again Herron if you can find one at a reasonable price, also a Zesto is a great choice. Something you might not have thought about is a Supratek with a built in Phono stage. Great SQ, and the value is very high, notwithstanding it saves buying another set of cables and power cord.

Wishing the best on your journey!

@jackd

Thanks kindly for the comparative insight between the Sachs and Supratek preamps. In reading all the great reviews previously I was really tempted to try a Sachs pre. Your observations align with others I’ve heard.

@gochurchgp

Jack is correct, the Supratek it’s adjustable gain. What makes a Suprtek pre stand out is it dynamics, PRAT, body and palpability. It just more real than most in this price range. Plus it does not lay poor recordings threadbare. As Mark indicated, the music will just grab you and you’ll be fully emotionally engaged, tap your toes and forget about the equipment.