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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..

oem-wheels
mountz's avatar
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mountz
47 posts
 
I hate say it, but i think igot you all beat.  I picked up a used aesthetic Callisto pre eclipse for $4200.  Dual balanced, excellent volume control (for each side), dual outs for the sub and separate chassis for the power supply.  Now the extra chassis can be a pain if you dont have room in your rack, but the detail and huge soundstage is worth it.  Also, a used Asthetix Janus signature can be found for around the same price, the only issues would be dual volum control on the Callisto level.

happy listening!
chubaka
28 posts
 
What is the price of the liberty audio preamp
mikado463
24 posts
 
someone mentioned CJ, I thought they were single ended ?

as for the OP's general statement about older ARC being problematic....BS, my old SP-9MkII continues to perform admirably in my sons kit
ggc
78 posts
 
Hi oem-wheels,
There are several good recommendations here. I will give one more Rouge Audio Hera 2 - Hands down the best preamplifier I have heard for the money. Bests other brands, some listed in this post, that cost 3-4 times more. Frequency response is 1hz - 300khz. The sound stage is truly holographic. Rogue Audio discontinued the line due to production costs associated with the level of detail involved with the design, but still services them should anything happen. I am not a rep, nor affiliated with the company. I am an Audiophile that appreciates great craftsmanship especially at reasonable prices.

Good Luck

There is one currently listed on Agon.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8ii1a-rogue-audio-hera-two-piece-preamplifier-tube
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thosb
76 posts
 
Atmasphere - do manuals generally indicate if the equipment meets the AES 48 standard?

oem-wheels - in similar discussions two other pre-amps are mentioned - don Sachs ($2500 new) and cary sl-05 (~$3100 used).  No idea how these stack up against those mentioned above, but I am doing a similar search and keep coming back to these, but now have more to look into!
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