Good tube preamp under 600$

Hello,

While i like my xiangsheng 728a preamp, it was sort of just getting my feet wet with that purchase. i know there is much better out there, but much of them cost.
I have been looking at the sp 14 kit. It would take some time to save up, and maybe i will,
just wondering if anyone has any recommends for a tube pre that plays nice with VTA amps, modern or vintage, dont necessarily need a phono stage.

Hi MidW,

It sounds like you are just getting started in this fun hobby. Welcome and get ready to spend some $ in your pursuit of that perfect sounding stereo system for you. My advice is to always do your own research before you open your wallet. Use google and read the forums. Below are just a few options: Since it sounds like costs are a major factor so I've included the approx. list prices:

SP14 kit: $1200+
SP14 Assembled: $1500+
Don Sachs version of SP14: $2500+ - this has premium tubes and components. What I have.

If you need a lower cost but you want quality, check out www.schitt.com. They are good value just not up to VTA value and quality - in my opinion.

www.tubes4hifi.com This is Roys stuff. Look into it. Occasional he will post here with a great deal on one of his pre's. Dale

While deciding what to get, a used dynaco PAT-4 could be yours for $100
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dynaco-Stereo-Preamplifier-PAT-4/293558344820?hash=item445970dc74:g:1BQAAOSw-Rleo1hq

Roy has the assembled SP10 & SP11’s in that price range.  
Great getting started point.

SP10: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP10.htm Comes fully assembled.
SP11: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP11.htm Kit or assembled.

Aguaazul

I'd strongly recommend saving up and getting the SP 14. Then you're done. No second guessing.
I've been down the other rabbit and in the end it's cheaper and more satisfying to get the good stuff from the git-go.

I see the finished up SP8 is back, I wonder if it will ever be offered as a kit again?

I got one back in the day, don't remember the cost but it was less than $600 for sure for board and parts.

Honestly, sounds great and still in use to this day.

I decided i will probably go with the SP14.  I have asked Roy a few questions already.
I am trying to go the route of very good for now with  room to upgrade in the future.
I pretty much priced out a unit. Im going to build it.
I hope this build goes more smoothly.. lol
So far, i decided to go with mundorf caps, B+ film caps, tube upgrade and  Khozmo main volume ( might get stock and get the mid level attenuators for vol , lgain, r gain when they arrive)

Maybe some of you out there with sp14s could chime in on what parts you like best on yours.

Notice that the SP14 DOES NOT have a phono stage, just in case that matters to you. Dale

Dale Stevens wrote:Notice that the SP14 DOES NOT have a phono stage, just in case that matters to you.  Dale

Yeah i have a pretty basic one at the moment.
Perhaps later i would upgrade.

As much as i wanted to get an SP14,with the uncertainty of life these days, I just couldn't get the funds for it. Maybe at a later point.

I ended up buying a Super clean PAS-3 from the auction site in the mean time.
It looks to be factory wired and in pristine shape with some decent tubes included.
From what i have read, Its a good idea to get rid of the selenium rectifier.
Ive got my eye on an SDS Labs capacitor board to install soon after i receive the unit.

Anything else i should look out for on these?

Is that a ship from Space 1999 as your avatar?

Dave_in_Va wrote:Is that a ship from Space 1999 as your avatar?

Yes.. haha.
I loved that show when i was a kid.

Pas 3 is a nice starting point. There's always this schiit that has nice reviews:

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

cci1492 wrote:Pas 3 is a nice starting point. There's always this schiit that has nice reviews:

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

I was considering the freya at one point, but probably wouldn't have the funds for that one either at the moment without
selling off some gear. I've seen lots of great reviews on freya.

I agree with the other posters, save for one of Roy's amps. The good thing is that you can sell them on the used market and get a good chunk of your investment back.

Tom wrote:I see the finished up SP8 is back, I wonder if it will ever be offered as a kit again?  

I got one back in the day, don't remember the cost but it was less than $600 for sure for board and parts.  

Honestly, sounds great and still in use to this day.  

I wish the website showed more pics: Tha back side, the inside.