I am using an all analog McIntosh C2300 preamp with Vintage smooth plate Telefunkens in both the phone stage (MC & MM) and line stage. I am using MC. It sounds great, no color, but, very smooth and sweet. I really appreciate the balanced inputs/outputs. If you are also running digital, and XLR interconnects, it is great because you can run the signal through the tube line stage. It also has db trim adjustment for each input, so, you can even out the loudness between all your sources. It is not available new, so, you have to buy it used - which is in your budget. It seems very well built. I bought it used and have it servce for 13 years, and so far, it has been bulletproof. I hope this helps you.
Recommendations for a tubed preamp
I'm looking for a tube preamp that would pair well with my Lampizator Big 7 DAC and Coda S5.5 amp. My speakers are Joseph Audio Pulsars.
I've been considering the LTA MicroZOTL, but unfortunately it's only available in the U.S., and I'm based in Europe. My second option was the Qualiton C200, but there are almost no reviews online, and I’m worried it might be hard to resell later on.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated — thanks!
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- 83 posts total
- 83 posts total