[starkiller]

but i could get the 2a instead as i dont want the phono stage, right?

[JimJ]

Yeah. Seems like a neat unit, almost bought one earlier this year

[Airborn]

but i could get the 2a instead as i dont want the phono stage, right?

I've never heard the 2A but if its anything like the Ultra 4A SE then its probably perfect, if you just want an entry level tubed line stage.  Btw, when I say "entry level" I mean solely based upon price, not performance, which is anything but entry level for the Mapletree, imho.

[cujobob]

2A and Ultra4 are same circuit, but Line2a has no phono....otherwise identical.  I've actually never heard a negative opinion of a MAD preamp before.

[JeffBrown]

I have been very happy with my Norh ACA2b for a couple of years now.  I think it is still 400 shipped.

[starkiller]

well, as usual, my plans went poof!  unknown to me my wife had bid on a tube preamp i had expressed interest in last week but i did not bid as i knew what they usually went for.  well, she bid and kept bidding and won, so now i am the proud owner of a valve audio black widow tube preamp!  i have already had a few email conversations with the owner and maker of the unit and hope that the unit sounds as good in my setup as it sounds like it should

i can even use my new shunyata power cord i got for my birthday on it.

[Ericus Rex]

Congrats!  I'm not familiar with that brand so let us all know how it sounds.