2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264799826

High end tube Preamp under $4k used that competes

with or betters the Cary SLP 05. (is there such a preamp?) Looking for suggestions in a tubed preamp on the used market to go with a solid state amplifier (60k ohm input impedance).

This preamp should have:
1. the bass, heft, weight, solidity of the SLP 05

2. clarity and highs that are crisp and extended/ not rolled off

3. some tube sound/ as opposed to solid state

4. some warmth yet detailed

5. dynamics

Thanks
foster_9
semi
649 posts
 
A shameless plug, I have one for sale right now.

Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE+

I have compared it to many (email me), it came out on top. Replaced by an Einstein, 3X the price and 10% better.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I don't know the Cary, but what you are looking for can be found in the Joule LA-150MKII (more so with the Signature Edition version of the preamp). Will you like it better than the Cary? No idea.
hamms006
24 posts
 
the cary slp-05 and get some excellent tubes for it ''''''and enjoy THE MUSIC.................
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Sorry, I forgot to include that I'd prefer a balanced preamp that also has rca inputs.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
If you can get by without the RCA inputs, a used BAT VK-51se.
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