Which is a better choice? New, or used preamp?

Even though you can buy new, the new ones can still have the lower end parts, unless you buy their better/premium line. If you buy used, you can get the premium (for same or less sometimes) used ones, that can be more transparent, cleaner, and better in other ways, due to better parts and maybe a better design, a lot of the time. If you buy a brand that has been around, and has a good reputation, you could do a lot better used. These are items if built right, last a long time. Sometimes, the seller will even include better tubes also.

joule electra la 100 or 150 mk 2.

Do some research on dehavilland ultraverve, performs way above its price.

Thanks for the additional feedback folks...

I've got a lot of research to do, but this is all very much appreciated information.

---Michael

ya never know. i tried 5 pre's when i was auditioning. 2 were current production units and 3 were older....one was very old. was wanting to stay in the $2000-$2500 range. sound wise...the oldest one (pass eleph) sounded best to me. i tried to live with it but not having a remote killed it for me. went back to #2 in my shoot-out (pass x-1) and have been happy ever since.

the two newer units i tried (bel canto and wyred4sound) weren't a good fit for whatever reason...likely my sound preference. it was hard to believe but i liked the neutrality of the older units better.

so my point is....ya never know until it's plugged into your gear.

good luck