Cheap tube preamps?

Ericus Rex · « **on:** 10 Sep 2009, 12:10 pm »

Hi Guys!

I friend of mine asked me to recommend a cheap tube preamp to 'get him by' until the mondo pre can be purchased. He wanted to spend only $200-250 (don't laugh! it can be done!). He currently only uses a couple of line-level sources but he's talking about getting a 'table soon. So I think one with phono is preferred but not absolutely essential. The first things to come to my mind are Counterpoint SA-7.1, Lazarus Basic Cascade, and Conrad-Johnson PV-1 (or higher). These can probably be found for around $200-250 on ebay. Any other suggestions? or offers? -got something in your closet?

doug s. · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Sep 2009, 02:41 am »

dared sl2000/sl2000a. only two line inputs, but remote control for wolume. while i have never heard it, it's gotten good rewiews. one buddy i know said it is actually better than the vtl 5.5, if you upgrade the tubes - he did a direct comparison. as you can buy one brand-new for $450 shipped, w/a usb dac input; you should be able to find one used for <$300...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250493216626

doug s.

JimJ · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Sep 2009, 03:39 am »

The Aikido pre I'm looking at building is probably going to run around $200 when it's all said and done

mp9 · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Sep 2009, 06:18 am »

99, 99, 99, 99, 99, www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=220&rn=438&action=show_detail

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Sep 2009, 02:51 pm »

I have an Audio Experience Symphonies Plus tube pre with some extra tubes I'd like to get $275 for. I might be willing to haggle a little.

starkiller · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Sep 2009, 12:31 am »

Aric Audio will custom build one for him for less then $300...i got him to add another output for a sub and it only ran me $330!! here is a pic, no affiliation!

richidoo · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Sep 2009, 01:50 am »

Quote from: mp9 on 11 Sep 2009, 06:18 am

99, 99, 99, 99, 99, www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=220&rn=438&action=show_detail

That thing is COOL!

starkiller · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Sep 2009, 01:52 am »

yep, and it sounds great too

pbrstreetgang · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Sep 2009, 01:58 am »

Quote from: Big Red Machine on 11 Sep 2009, 02:51 pm

I have an Audio Experience Symphonies Plus tube pre with some extra tubes I'd like to get $275 for. I might be willing to haggle a little.

Is this the one with the 6x4 tube? If so its a really good pre!

ltr317 · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Sep 2009, 01:59 am »

I bought a SET tube amp from Aric Audio once. Good and cheap.

starkiller · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Sep 2009, 02:00 am »

actually, i swapped out the baldwin tubes for a set of mullard at7's, and it made a big difference!

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Sep 2009, 11:04 am »

Been out of town and couldn't follow the post....

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I'll run these options by my bud tonight and see what he says.

Keep em coming if you know of others!

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Sep 2009, 11:09 am »

Where can I find info on the Aikido kit?

droht · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Sep 2009, 12:00 pm »

This is a great topic. Can anyone chime in on difference between these bargain tube pres and what I consider mid-priced units, that cost ~$1000? This category in particular seems kind of tough to get big bang for few dollars.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Sep 2009, 11:58 am »

I'd be interested to know that as well droht. I've never really compared lower priced new stuff to the 1K range.

As for my Bud, he told me last night that his father-in-law will be loaning him a Dynaco PAS-? for as long as he needs so his search for a cheap pre appears to be over. Thanks for all the suggestions!

starkiller · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 05:48 am »

my aric audio preamp will probably be up for sale pretty quick....still have not found a job and funds are starting to get a little tight

pm me if you might be interested.

grubyhalo · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 09:08 am »

Quote from: Ericus Rex on 22 Sep 2009, 11:09 am

Where can I find info on the Aikido kit?

http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/newhardware.html

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 11:52 am »

Thanks for the info Gruby!

Starkiller, I'll let my buddy know about the pre for sale. He's talking about a turntable in the near future though. Sorry to hear about your job woes. I hope for the best for you.

doug s. · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 04:17 pm »

here's a nice pre:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1259213992&/N-E-W-Nirvana-P-3

i heard this w/the matching battery powered amp (also being sold), driving a pair of original diapason adamantes' at a s'phile show ~10 years ago, and it was in my top 3 for best sound at the show...

doug s.

JimJ · « **Reply #19 on:** 27 Sep 2009, 05:06 pm »

Quote from: droht on 22 Sep 2009, 12:00 pm

This is a great topic. Can anyone chime in on difference between these bargain tube pres and what I consider mid-priced units, that cost ~$1000? This category in particular seems kind of tough to get big bang for few dollars.

Quality of parts used is a big one. Even with DIY, $20 coupling caps, Caddock/Holco resistors and fancy RCA jacks add up quickly