Add the Blue Circle BC21 to your list. They don't come up often, but used are about $700. If you can stretch, go for a BC21.1. Only down side is that the BC21 tubes (6sn7) can get pricey, but on the other hand it only uses 2. Good luck!
Preamp suggestions-upgrading from C-J PV10A
Hi. Upgrading my preamp-need suggestions. I have heard the Classe preamps thrown out there as a possible good choice. Other suggestions would be appreciated.
I am thinking about upgrading my C-J PV10A preamp-I have it currently mated to a C-J MF-2200 SS amp, VSA VR-2000's, and Arcam CD73T. I was thinking that I may want to go with tubes still, but just look for a better design. I have A/B'd the PV10A against some SS preamps (nothing special) and it really wasn't much better (the amp, OTOH, is very good). Any suggestions of a very nice preamp I could get used for $500-800? My current setup is a nice mix of lush vocals and accurate, deep-enough bass. The SS preamps I have tried were 95% as good on vocals, but a little heavy in the bass-I was thinking that by upgrading the PV10A, I should be able to improve upon my vocal performance, yet retain the same accurate, not-heavy bass. My speakers are pretty heavy in the low-end anyway (down to 26hz).
I listen mostly to Classical jazz, also Electronic (ambient, house, trance), some vocals and classical music.
I am thinking about upgrading my C-J PV10A preamp-I have it currently mated to a C-J MF-2200 SS amp, VSA VR-2000's, and Arcam CD73T. I was thinking that I may want to go with tubes still, but just look for a better design. I have A/B'd the PV10A against some SS preamps (nothing special) and it really wasn't much better (the amp, OTOH, is very good). Any suggestions of a very nice preamp I could get used for $500-800? My current setup is a nice mix of lush vocals and accurate, deep-enough bass. The SS preamps I have tried were 95% as good on vocals, but a little heavy in the bass-I was thinking that by upgrading the PV10A, I should be able to improve upon my vocal performance, yet retain the same accurate, not-heavy bass. My speakers are pretty heavy in the low-end anyway (down to 26hz).
I listen mostly to Classical jazz, also Electronic (ambient, house, trance), some vocals and classical music.