[Kruds]

What is the best tube preAmp you have used that cost under $800?

My two current favorites (that I have) are an (Cary/AES) AE-3 and a George Wright WLA-12A.

What else should I look at?  (Generally, I like 6SN7 variants)

[FullRangeMan]

What is the best tube preAmp you have used that cost under $800?

My two current favorites (that I have) are an (Cary/AES) AE-3 and a George Wright WLA-12A.

What else should I look at?  (Generally, I like 6SN7 variants)

Hi Dave,
The Starting Block Circle is really for people to introduce themselves.
This question/thread is best posted in the Tube Amp Circle, so I wll move it there for you now.

[Delta77]

I haven’t had any experience with them yet , but I think you might want to look at maple tree audio..

https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/#Preamplifiers


He has his , “Line 2CRM line preamplifier with remote volume control and PS 2D power supply “  listed for $800..

Not sure if that price is current..?

[Chris Adams]

Schiit Freya and current model Freya+ are very good sounding and versatile pieces. I owned a Freya. The Freya+ is a bit more than you want to spend but both can be found used for less than $800.

[FullRangeMan]

Eastern Electric Mini-Max preamp over $1K a rich tubed sound to match a SS amp.

[nc42acc]

Used Schiit Freya

[mick wolfe]

I agree. The Schiit Freya +....this especially if you've got a plethora of NOS or ANOS 6SN7's in your stash. Just bump your budget to $1K and don't look back. (15 day audition/return option is a big plus if buying new) To clearly beat it with other options in new 6SN7 based pre-amps, you'd have to spend at least 2 or 3 times as much.

[nc42acc]

Original Freya more “tubey” sounding. I tried the plus and sent it back and kept my original version.

I agree. The Schiit Freya +....this especially if you've got a plethora of NOS or ANOS 6SN7's in your stash. Just bump your budget to $1K and don't look back. (15 day audition/return option is a big plus if buying new) To clearly beat it with other options in new 6SN7 based pre-amps, you'd have to spend at least 2 or 3 times as much.

[mick wolfe]

Oops, didn't notice "original" Freya, but the Freya + will give one "tubey" when matched with many of the ANOS 6SN7's I've tried.

[Kruds]

Anyone have experience with the Schiit Lyr, either version II or III?

[rotarius]

I have owned the earlier version of the Mapletree.  Excellent pre, replaced with an Aes Ae3 DJH and I was not sure if that was really an upgrade.  I should have kept that one.  I am sure the new version sounds just as good.  That would be my pick.