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Looking for a tube Preamp new or used for under $2000...

Hi all,

I am looking for a tube preamp for my Parasound A21 amp. I currently have a Parasound p6 preamp, but have been told that a “Tube” preamp not a SS preamp would make a huge improvement. My budget is $2k however, I would prefer to spend less! I am looking at McIntosh and audio research preamps. I am willing to purchase an older preamp, but not one that I would need to send it into be serviced. Any suggestions? Thanks!
matt00
invalid
1,371 posts
 
I would go with a hand built tube preamp like the aric audio, don sachs or space tech labs, way more bang for the buck than most brand name preamps.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
I understand the concern about output impedance with tube preamps. According to Aric my Special preamp has an output impedance of 200 ohms across the audio frequency band. 

Must say the VTA-SP14 would interest me if I was looking for a new sub $2000 tube preamp. I am not, very happy with my Aric Audio one.
jdjohn's avatar
jdjohn
47 posts
 
The Don Sachs Model 2 is more than just an SP-14 in a pretty chassis.  Don uses upgraded caps, wiring, attenuators, and yes, wooden cabinets.  He also mounts the tubes on top (instead of inside), so it is obviously much easier to change tubes, and looks much cooler.  Speaking of cool, having the tubes on top prevents excess heat inside the chassis, which prolongs the life of the unit.
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mike4597's avatar
mike4597
303 posts
 

I recommend you look at the Rogue Audio RP-1 v2 preamp, which is at your price mentioned, new.  I had the RP-1 original version, and it did a credible job, but I wanted XLR outputs so I went to the RP-7.  My experience also confirms what you have been told, although I am not sure it is universally true.  I had the tube preamp with a very reputable tube power amp, but when I changed to very reputable solid state mono bloc amplification, the sound quality improved dramatically, with much better tonality, a greatly improved sound stage, and somewhat better resolution.  I think I can still improve on the resolution, so I am considering a preamp upgrade, looking at the Rogue RP-9 v2, the Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4, and the Audio Research LS28se ... all tubed preamplifiers.

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