Suggestions for a tube preamp

You should check out the Antique Sound Labs AQ2001DT preamp. I auditioned it with the Tulip amp and was very very impressed. They bettered the Rogue 88/66 setup for a lot less money. Both setups were playing Tannoy D700s. www.divertech.com. Arthur

I went through this about three years ago and wound up listening to virtually all of the stuff on your list - the Blue Circle BC21 was slightly but definitely better than the competition that you have listed. BUT...I did not listen to the Magus, and it is well regarded by a number of people. Bottom line: try and listen to as many of them as possible and trust your ears.

Check out the Marsh p2000t, tube hybrid, this is their description:
The P2000t Tube Hybrid Performance Pre-Amp
A superior perfromance tube preamp with triode tube, one of the most linear devices ever developed was designed for the lowest distortion possible. Here it is combined with the FET, creating a new and entirely modern circuit called the " Trans-Mu amplification stage." This brings out all the benefits of the triode tube- extremely low noise, wide frequency response, low distortion - and eliminates the triode's drawbacks.Each channel uses two triode tubes with a push-pull output for low output impedance. The P2000t is able to drive even the longest cables without music deterioration.The filament voltage is direct voltage through a powerful C-multiplier filter, which ensure the lowest noise and the longest, most reliable operation. How low is low? Dead quiet-so you can hear event the most subtle elements in the music. Marsh-designed capacitors provide great accuracy and high-resolution of details- for the most realistic music reproduction possible and for reliable, long-life performance.Both line amplifiers are fitted with remote 12VDC control for custom installation and easy on/off control of other equipment in the system.

I bought mines used here at AG for $895. It is an incredible preamp that sounds with the best regardless of price. Be aware that there is no remote which is the only drawback. Good luck in your search.

ASL also makes a remote controlled 2A3 preamp for under $1200

Hiflyer,

I have had two of the preamps on your list, the Audio Research LS1 and the Conrad Johnson PV10a. I did not care for the ARC LS1 at all, very sterile sounding. I have not owned but also heard the ARC LS7 and did not care for it either. I guess I don't like the ARC sound. I love my CJ. Probably not neutral but very musical with a great phono stage. It is currently for sale if you are interested as I am going with a Musical Fidelity to match my power amp and get a remote. See my ad if you are interested. Would be well under your budget and fairly easy to resell if you decide it is not for you. I also owned a Counterpoint tube pre although older and lower in the line than the ones you mentioned. Mine was very noisy and not reliable. For the money I think you could do better with a company still in business.

I have not heard the ARC LS 2 or 3, but they got good reviews. There are also a number of very respected Agon members that swear by Blue Circle and Rogue. Both would probably be good choices. Tube pre amps can very in sound quite a bit. Auditioning is always recommended if you can.

Regards,
Paul