Which < $1500 Tube Pre?

[es347]

Has anyone heard the SMc VRE-1B preamp from Steve McCormack?

 

[Flac>2>Dac]

I had an RLD-1 pre that replaced a AR LS3. The McCormack was noticeably more dynamic and resolving than the AR. I thought you were looking for a tube preamp.

LOL...yeah, I am. However, my budget is tight right now and I'm trying to decide between an "interim" position of like a McCormack RLD-1...which can be had for like ~$600...or just holding out a bit for one of the tube Pre-amps on my list.

Right now, I'm fighting temptation, and thinking of just cooling my jets a bit; but the feedback is still valuable. For example, if I decided to try the RLD-1, it's nice to know you thought it beat out your older ARC.

CD

 

[es347]

The RLD-1 is a lot of preamp for $600 plus Steve McCormack has some highly regarded upgrades for it.

 

[Flac>2>Dac]

The RLD-1 is a lot of preamp for $600 plus Steve McCormack has some highly regarded upgrades for it.

Yeah, you're probably right. The guy was willing to take $600, but I still wasn't sure. Just spent ~10-times that on my Special 25s, so I was a bit gun-shy...even on just $600. Really, it's because I do want a tube model like an ARC or C-J...and $600 or not, the RLD-1 just felt like a consolation.

FWIW, he turned around and listed at the $600 he was willing to take from me...and it sold in hours...lol. You snooze you lose.

CD

 

[Flac>2>Dac]

Well...after much hand-wringing, bartering on RLD-1s, and trying to decide between just sitting tight and giving something a try...I think I have come to terms on a Belles 21a with the Auricap upgrade! I got it for significantly less than my max $1500 budget, which it turns out I couldn't really afford after all (hence all the foot-dragging )

I'm not normally a "rate my purchase" kinda guy; I say grow a pair and feel confident with your decision...lol. But tube pre-amps are unchartered waters for me. I did my homework, and the Belles 21a has lots of fans (sycophants really); I even saw a reviewer prefer it over the ARC SP16L, which was one of my "high-budget" contenders. Plus I think it will (naturally) pair nicely with my Belles 150a HR.

But...what do you think of my choice; or "rate my purchase"?

CD