High end tube Preamp under $4k used that competes

If you want to stay with tubes, then a EAR 868 sounds like your answer.If not I would look into the Music First MK11. I just sold my EAR 868 after hearing the MF MK11,still love tubes!. I use 2 EAR 534 amps/ with the MF and have taken my system to another LEVEL!!!!!

Foster he has been making preamps for many many years. The eighteen tubes are mostly under low voltage so they are not pushed if I am correct. Why not just call Fred and see if you connect in what he does and get educated on his designs. He also makes the Sira with SS power supply so not that many tubes. Like I said, I have nothing to do with the company but am an audio person who keeps an open mind to hear new things. Fortunately for me, living in the NYC area there are many audio people, dealers, home dealers, audio clubs that meet every weekend, magazine reviewers, so I get to hear lots of components. There are also a bunch of audio guys who are DIY people so I get to hear that side of the audio world. Besides that, I get to hear many componets, cables, tubes, etc., in my own system because these people are good people and will lend some of their stuff out once they get to know you. That is how I recently got to hear the Tung-sol round plate tubes in my system other then buying them to hear for myself. Like I said, call Fred and see if you connect with him. He is a fantastic person and very helpful - no pressure.

Look for a used Sonic Frontier Line 3 preamp SE modified by Chris at the Parts Connection. I think it will beat anything $4000.00 and under easily. It is balanced and single ended. Only problem is it takes lots of real estate being a 2 piece design.

It seems through recent and older threads there's some agreement that BAT has some tube (and solid state) bass and weight champs in their stable. There are so many BAT tube preamps it's hard to keep track of which models to consider. What's the one or two that excel in providing clarity, transparency and top to bottom extension; bass weight and some tube sound?

Hello Foster,

You should be able to find a used BAT VK-51se in your price range. Of course this is subjective, but I don't think the sound quality can be matched in the price they sell for used. Good luck and enjoy the search.

best,
Tom