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It is a good idea to purchase a vintage tube pre-amp.

Since the new one are pretty expensive and what I can afford is an old one with budget of US$2000~3000. Since I don't have much knowlege on electronics, but I have authentic listening capabilities. Is it good idea to buy an old gear of tube pre amp. around 10 or 15 years such as Audio Research SP-15 or something similar (the newer one within my budget is better of course).  I would prefer a stable, long time use gear without much trouble.
faust168
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
With your budget you can pick at the top of the heap if you are willing to go a little older.  ARC SP-10 or SP-11.  While they are harder to find, there are even CAT SL-1s available in your price range.  I bought a used CAT SL-1 over 25 years ago and have never been tempted to upgrade it.  In all those years I've only had to replace one cap in the power supply.  Ken builds them to last.

faust168 OP
74 posts
 

Dear vpi:


Tks for your response. One of my friend reminded me that the ARC's SP10 or 11 might have trouble which need maintenance easily. Since I am not a electronic expert, I am a bit afraid to think about having one for consideration of troubles ahead.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
The Harmon Kardon Citation 1 preamp is excellent when properly restored. To find one like that would probably be more expensive than the preamps listed, but it can keep up with them easily. A very competent circuit!

The Dyna PAS-3 is not a particularly great preamp, but it lends itself very well to update and modification! I've seen them be giant-killers on many occasions. We've done mods on them for decades and our UV-1 is heavily based on those mods. You can find used PAS-3s for $200-$400 depending on condition- and likely they will need refurbishment at that price.

Our own MP-1 has been in production since 1989. So I guess that can qualify as vintage; it features a direct-coupled output that allows it to be quite transparent; the real issue is whether you can find one.
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
One Classic pre that I don't believe has been mentioned is the
conrad johnson Premier 3. While its some 30 years old, the sound was excellent when paired with solid state amps.

Larry
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
Another happy owner of a Don Sachs Model 1 6SN7 tube pre!

Don will customize his preamp to ensure it integrates well with your amp, and offers a large choice of upgrade options.

Well worth checking out!
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