I own 3.6s
If I had to use a less expensive preamp I would be using an Audio Research Sp-15. The Sp-15 has a great three tube phono section, the rest is SS.
I got one a few years back for $1,500.
That $ was a little low, but that particular ARC item is not well known.
It is a great preamp for the price.
Hard to find though.
Another gem is the VAC Standard and is also around $1,500. Also rare. (I own both, neither for sale!!! even though my main preamp is a Bryston BP-26)
Both have separate power supplies.
Spend the rest on the amp. A used Bryston 4B-SST or 4B-SST2 could be found. Do not settle for a Bryston 4B-ST.
If I had to use a less expensive preamp I would be using an Audio Research Sp-15. The Sp-15 has a great three tube phono section, the rest is SS.
I got one a few years back for $1,500.
That $ was a little low, but that particular ARC item is not well known.
It is a great preamp for the price.
Hard to find though.
Another gem is the VAC Standard and is also around $1,500. Also rare. (I own both, neither for sale!!! even though my main preamp is a Bryston BP-26)
Both have separate power supplies.
Spend the rest on the amp. A used Bryston 4B-SST or 4B-SST2 could be found. Do not settle for a Bryston 4B-ST.