[droht]

I would love to pick up a Mapletree 2A SE pre.  Wondering what else I should be considering in the price/performance range? 

I currently have a Virtue TWO amp (and always thinking about an Odyssey or Khartago) and really would like to try a tube pre.  Currently using a Keces DA-152, which I think does a great job, but I want to see where tubes can take the sound.  Current speakers are Ushers S520s, but I will have a pair of single drivers utilizing Fostex FX120s soon.

Appreciate any suggestions.  No DIY for me.

[rockadanny]

Wright WLA-12A Tube Preamplifier perhaps? I have not heard one (sorry) but did consider this one when looking. I ended up buying the Mapletree in the end. And I am very glad I did. It is really good.
Review of the Wright...
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_2/wright-parasound-preamps-5-2000.html

[BillB]

I think the virtue does really well with a tube pre. I used my design on it and it really took it up a notch (or 100 IMO).

I still have a VTL I can sell you for a really good deal man.

[dweekie]

Haven't heard it, but another well regarded option.

http://www.transcendentsound.com/preampkit.htm

[ebag4]

There is an SAS 10A on Agon right now:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1247374418&/SAS-Audio-10A-tube-linestage-p

I have never heard one but I have read great things about them.

Best,
Ed

[JimJ]

Maybe talk someone out of an Audible Illusions Mod 3A?

I loved mine...

Other ones I'd consider would be a Decware CSP2, ARC SP-9MKII (used) or a Transcendant GG...

Lots of good options out there for $1k.

[droht]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.  I will check these out.   

[droht]

I've been reading about a variety of these options, and honestly it would be a coin toss for me to select one over another.  The Mapletree is a clear winner in style to me.  I hate to buy audio gear based on that, but if that is all I have to go on I suppose it is not such a bad thing.

[droht]

What about Eastern Electronics MiniMax?  Just stumbled across one on AgoN...

[bacobits1]

The EE Pre is an excellent little pre and responsive to tube rolling tastes.
I owned one for 3 years. Can be had used for $600.


Den

[spendorite]

Apart from the Mapletree 2A SE I have'nt heard any of the other preamps mentioned here.  Based on performance I would consider the Mapletree to be the equal of any of them if not better.  Based on price I think it would be the hands down winner here. Just my opinion.