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Best Line Stage

What in your experience is the best line stage tube pre-amplifier you have had an opportunity to listen to in the $2,000 - $3,000 thousand-dollar range (used prices)? If you have the time, please explain what you value most (detail, tonality, sound staging, dynamics etc), as this will give everyone some insight into the performance of your choice for best pre-amp.
bioman
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Supratek, you also get amazing phono with it as well.
One of my friends just got htis preamp, I am very impressed with it.

KF
unsound
6,115 posts
 
The best tube line stage I've heard in the $2-3K price range is the Sonic Frontiers Line 3. I like the features, conviences, flexibility, construction and most of all the neutrality. This unit offers the harmonic integrity, liquidity and 3D quality with out the flabby bass, gushy colorization and high impedance out-put that tubes are noted for. Damn shame they stopped making them.
danamc
52 posts
 

Joule LA-150. Sweet and dynamic
nutella
192 posts
 
Joule LA100 Mk III and First Sound Presence. Owned both and while different, are outstanding linestages. I would happily live with either of them. For detail and transparency, First Sound. For soundstage and that silky smooth (not top be confused with overly warm and lush) presentation, the Joule. There is no such thing as best. And it depends on the amp in which you plan to use.
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