For what it’s worth, I had an Audio Research SP-16 and a brand new Schiit Freya + for about 3 months. I did some critical listening and some tube rolling with both. I ended up selling the Audio Research. The 6sn7 tubes were just better to my ears. And when tube rolling, the 6sn7’s made a huge difference in sound. I ended up with 2 NOS GE’s in the buffer stage and NOS Ken rads in the gain stage. A sweet Lucious tube sound. Plus it had XLR’s out for my Krell amp. The Audio Research sounded decent but it was single ended, and new production tubes versus NOS tubes didn’t really make a major difference in sound.
Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
As the title says, I am pondering my best options for purchasing a tube based preamp for $2k or under. Must have a remote!
Your opinions, thoughts, and expertise would be greatly appreciated. If I was spending more, I would know most of the best choices, but I'm on unfamiliar ground at this price limit. But sometimes, you can only do what you can do.
Thanks for any help.
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Just so you know, I am certainly paying attention to those of you recommending VTL preamps. I’m concerned about the age of the 2.5’s, though. I long ago heard a 5.5 in a system I knew and was extremely impressed. Those seem to be going for about $3k.
Currently there is a steal available on a 6.5, with superb NOS tubes, for only $2900.00. I might go on a three month Ramen noodle only diet, which I would need to do, to afford that, and grab that preamp, but he wants local pickup in San Diego. Aaaaargh!!! |
dhite71338 posts Audio Research LS17SE There are some out there now and they have great resale potential so if you can get one at $2k, you could always sell if you changed your mind
Good point, and fine units. But if I recall correctly, they are from the period where Audio research started working very hard to make their tubed electronics sound like solid state. I need a bit of warmth in whatever preamp I buy, that's why I choose to use tubes. I did look, though, and $2600 or so seems to be about the bottom pricing on those. |
robbydouglas211 posts For what it’s worth, I had an Audio Research SP-16 and a brand new Schiit Freya + for about 3 months. I did some critical listening and some tube rolling with both. I ended up selling the Audio Research. The 6sn7 tubes were just better to my ears. And when tube rolling, the 6sn7’s made a huge difference in sound. I ended up with 2 NOS GE’s in the buffer stage and NOS Ken rads in the gain stage. A sweet Lucious tube sound. Plus it had XLR’s out for my Krell amp. The Audio Research sounded decent but it was single ended, and new production tubes versus NOS tubes didn’t really make a major difference in sound.
Really interesting comparison Robby. Thanks. The sound signature you describe is right up my alley. Certainly food for thought. And I know Mike Moffat a bit, and always enjoy supporting his efforts. I just realized, from re-reading your comments, that the Freya preamp is a fully balanced unit. Which, unfortunately,as noted in my response about the VTL’s, is an issue. |
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