The Mesenger is an incredible pre-amp but very costly and out of your budget range. It does most things well, and has incredible bass. The soundstage is great, more realistic than the ARC Ref pre's, which to my ear have an almost spuriously large stage. The noise floor wasn't as quiet as some other pre's to my ear. I agree with Albert, the Calypso is very good, and compared to pre-amps costing much more, a great bang for the buck. Within ballpark of your price range is the EMM Labs Switchman, which is also a very good pre and worth a listen. I won't "advice" you any further, eh?
Elite Preamps--Electon Images, Messenger, Tube Res
In my research for a hi-end tube preamp I came across some lesser known (to me anyway) elite preamps. Does anyone know anything about the following companies (e.g. years in service, reputation, Website, etc.) or where I can find info on their line of preamps:
* Electron Images (made in Canada by former Sonic Frontiers design guru I think)
* The Messenger
* Tube Research Labs (their website needs some work)
Thanks in advance.
Kevinzoe
* Electron Images (made in Canada by former Sonic Frontiers design guru I think)
* The Messenger
* Tube Research Labs (their website needs some work)
Thanks in advance.
Kevinzoe