Some of the best pre amps used for $600 or less

I remember driving 50 miles to meet a seller at a mall to buy a Dared SL-2000A. I think I paid $300.00 and it came with extra tubes for tube rolling. When I got it home and hooked it up, I wasn't expecting alot. But boy was I surprised by its sonics. Huge and tall soundstage from such a small preamp. Big surprises do sometimes come in small packages & I agree with David99's conclusions. One can say this is an excellent performer at its price point but it's much more than that and could easily be compared to alot more expensive preamps, you may find yourself smiling all the way to the bank.

Another Chinese tube preamp that offers alot of value and packs a mean but excellent sonic punch is the new Norh ACA-2B. Sells for $299.00 plus shipping. Shipping however is about $175.00. You can't go wrong with either preamp.

AES DJH (made by the folks at Cary) is currently available for $699 on Audiogon (No, It's not mine). While I have since "upgraded" to much more expensive preamps the AES DJH is a wonderfully musical tubed linestage at a very good value.

The Doge 8 lists at around $1300. It is a great pre-amp. If you can find it used, gobble it up.

Throw the Quicksilver Audio tubed linestage into the mix, can be had used for about 600. I almost purchased the dared as well, if I saw one come up used for 300 I would definitely jump on it.

I second the Doge 8. Sorry now I sold mine now. Not sure you can get one for under $1000.00 used though.