2. amps-preamps
  3. 1213518946

Is there a killer preamp for 1500?

I'm looking for the best preamp I can get for $1500 or less. I like tubes, but will consider SS if there's a compelling reason. I've been using passive preamps for the past year and really appreciate their transparency, openness and silence. I'm looking for similar qualities in your recommendation.

More than likely, I'll be buying used. Phono stage is unnecessary. Remote volume would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. Amps are Antique Sound Lab AQ1008. Input impedance 100k. Input sensitivity 1v. Speakers are Alon Model V.

Any thoughts on the usual suspects?

Modwright
AI Mod3A
Rogue 99
VTL 5.5
BAT VK-3I

Thanks for your help!
mingles
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
If lush and liquid is your cup of tea, you must try Blueberry preamp with Mullard tubes

Great value. I have listen to it last week. It is outstanding preamp.
It is also quiet. Has a lot of texture and soul.

Cheers
icorem
149 posts
 
Try to find every now and then a used Lector Zoe on Agon. An amazing pre that does'nt get the appreciation it deserves.Bought it a month ago - such a wide sounstage and rich musicality.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
"The Cary SLP-98 interests me quite a bit", you say.

Well, you've had 2 or 3 recommendations for that one (one was mine). That's how I ended up with my SLP-98--considering every used preamp under $2500; VTL, ARC, C-J, etc, but when I posted about my search, I'd always get a few recommendations for the SLP-98.

One other nice thing about it--it's gorgeous. I have the black with the Jaguar Red chassis. I got real interested in Cary after buying a 303-200 CDP; another great looking/sounding component.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
You've received a number of recommendations for worthy products, I'll add one more. If you like a very quiet, neutral, and extremely transparent preamp, the Italian Aloia PST 11.01 can be found for substantial markdowns on the used market. It lists for around $4000 and can be had used for 1k to 1.5k. It's build quality is superb, like a fine swiss watch. Martin Dewulf reviewed it in "Bound for Sound" and found it a little lean for his tastes in his system, HiFi Guide (Italian audio mag) called it "a window into the state of the art." I've been very impressed with mine, a great bargain. None of my partnered components are of a lean and treble emphasizing nature, I don't find the Aloia lean in the least. I also enjoy it's remote volume and switching capability.
sleepless
3 posts
 
Hi there,

I would highly recommend a Blue Circle BC-3 if you can find a used one. They don't have remotes, are really big and heavy but they sound wonderful. My partner plays piano and bass and feels that the preamp with Siemans tubes has perfect pitch. They usually go for around 1300-1500. Also, they have a nice smooth top-end that is very well extended, good detail and they also extend well in the bass. Only limitation is a lack of bass detail compared to really good ss preamps. Also, they have tons of drive. I would add that to your list.
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