Tube Preamp to go with Bryston SST2 amp and Magnepan 1.7i speakers

elliott

Thanks for your thoughts.

My Aric Special is the 1st 6SN7 pre I have owned. Using the tube supplied by Aric. When I need replacements I will likely turn to Aric. 

"...Would I be crazy to decide to go with a Bryston Preamp, rather than a tube preamp..."

No you would not.   

A Don Sachs linestage meets your budget:
http//www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html

His preamps are based on 6SN7 tubes. They are hand built by Don so he can customize them to match your amp’s impedance.

Don’s a great guy and easy to talk to.

- a happy Don Sachs linestage owner

Check out ModWright. Used to own an earlier version of the SWL 9.0 and felt it bettered ARC’s at least up to the LS25 MK II. It’s a great preamp that has killer PRaT. Not a fat tube sound, but very musical and very open. I felt the ARC’s felt cold and lean compared to the little ModWright. Here’s the current model.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa79ah-modwright-swl-9-0-anniversary-tube

I use DeHavilland Ultraverve preamp with my 4BSST and an old 4B running two zones. Minimalist design so no balanced. I sent it back and Kara rigged up a custom mono switch.  Very happy with the sound. 
I have also used Bryston BP 20 and Van Alstine T8 both of where very satisfactory. The Bryston BP has mono and phase invert both of which came in handy. From my experience you cant go wrong with any of those choices and all are in your range.
One day I want to try Audio Research and Mc preamps too.