Any of the BAT VK-30 series will be hard to beat and they are plentiful in your price range. I have an older VK-3i and it is outstanding. If you like tube rolling, look for a VK-31 none SE model.
Best balanced linestage/preamp for $4000 or less ???
Hey all !! So I need some help with choosing a preamp, preferably tube, that's a true balance design in and out.. For a 2.1 speaker system.. Need a sub so it'll have to have dual outputs running in parallel if that's the right term to use.. It'll have to have single ended inputs and outputs also.. I use an Oppo205 (Modwright) in the front end for everything digital coming in, movies and music.. But I do my critical listening with music so I use the modded portion of the 205 for that (balance output) and for movies/tv want to use the unmodded single ended outputs..
I have a Classe CA2200 amp and Salk bookshelf speakers and a sub (single ended input)..
I know BAT is out there.. VK31se I'm looking at and some older Audio Research but read them are unreliable.. Anything else anyone else have some experience with ? Will take your opinions seriously as that's how I chose my current equipment... thanks
I know there's some good stuff single ended but I really want a well balance system through out with my music listening..