Thanks. I will look into all of your suggestions. WIth the Graham Slee phono stage, I don't need a phono stage on the pre-amp. I checked out an Audio Research SP-14 and LS-5 and Rogue Audio Metis today in person. All sound very good, but the LS-5 wouldn't work with my NAD amps, so I'd have to upgrade those now, as well, and I don't think money will permit that right now. Today was the first time I had heard a tube pre amp, and I don't think I can decide based on a few minutes of listening if that's the way I want to go, or to stick with the SS sound I've known since 1996.
Looking for a GREAT preamp under $2000...thoughts?
I have a system that is mostly from the mid-90's and I'm upgrading it piece by piece. Just ordered the Gallo Reference 3.5's with sub amp, bought a Graham Slee ERA Gold Reflex phono preamp, and found a second NAD 214 amp for extremely cheap on ebay ($100), (so I can bridge it with my current NAD 214). Before upgrading the amp and turntable (Goldring GR2), I'd like to look at doing an upgrade on the preamp. What can I get either used or new for around $2000 that will blow me away? I think it's prefer solid state over tube, but I'm open to suggestions