2. amps-preamps
  3. 136417-13625

What is as tube sounding as Conrad today?

Looking to buy a tube preamp for my Class D Tripath amplifier. It boils down to (from most people) Conrad Johnson older PV series as being the most tube sounding preamp. Or some people who don’t like that sound call it dark. I surely don’t want dark as if you put blanket over your speakers but lush/warm/romantic sound is what I like. Can I buy a used preamp ($300 budget) sounds like Conrad PV line? Don’t care too much if it is from China as I had pretty good sounding stuff from China before.
celo
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,825 posts
 
There are several tube pre-amps listed currently on Agon <$500 that you could try easily enough and see and then resell as needed without taking a big loss. There is even a CJ model for just a tad bit more.
vrao81
58 posts
 
Look for ys audio symphonies. Maybe you can get one for $300.
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celo OP
158 posts
 

Thanks for the replies.


I am well aware $300 (even for a used unit) is not enough moola for a great preamp. However, I read from here and there on the forums little Chinese preamps or some DIY kits sound fantastic. Some even $50! Now, I am not saying $50 preamp will sound as good as CJ but can’t it even come remotely close? YS-Audio is a good example. Although I haven’t heard one, an audiophile friend was going to (maybe even he was at one point) be their US distributor. He was telling me it was an amazing preamp.


Sure, I can go little more on what I can spend but I am thinking unless I spend a good amount of money, (maybe $2K-$3K) I will not even hear a difference.

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