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. 

nightfall

That Sit-3 is a wonderful amp. I've nearly owned one once or twice, and might still, at some point!

car123's avatar

car123

127 posts

 

Don't forget Joule Electra.  Jud is gone but Rich at Signature Sound can repair/upgrade as needed, but they are as reliable as tanks.  Used LA-150s rarely come up for sale but, given that the company is no longer in business, you can get used joule gear at steep discounts when it does come up.  I happily ran a 150 for years before upgrading to a LA-300, truly and end game preamp. 

 

The Joule gear is quite special.

 

I have a 150 in my closet.  If any interest, feel free to send me a message. 

 

If I had seen your comment before I bought the Triode Labs Au Pre, I absolutely would have been in contact. Thanks for making me aware. 

Regarding the LAB12 Pre1, I have one and it is incredibly noisy.  Either it needs new tubes or service.  The dealer I bought it from, The Cable Company no longer stocks this item.  Is there factory authorized service anywhere in the USA.  And, if I wanted to try to replace the tubes, how do you open the unit?