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
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Tom_hankins, I've read that various BAT preamps have strong bass (which I'm looking for) in a tube preamp, but they are also known for being dark. This isn't the case with the VK-51SE?
lewinskih01
906 posts
 
I'm digging into some tubed preamps in this price range two, so my two cents:
XLR & RCA: Aesthetix Calypso
XLR only: Atma-Sphere MP3
RCA only: Lamm LL2, First Sound Presence, Audio Valve Eklipse, all very good performers in bass and dynamics.

FWIW, I started looking for balanced only and as I researched more I discovered some people prefer driving my amp from RCAs (McIntosh MC275). Not sure what your case would be.
maril555
619 posts
 
BAT peamps are NOT dark. That's a misconception.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I have never found the BAT preamps dark.
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Make that three...(along with Maril555 and Tom_hankins)!
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