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In Reply to: RE: Recommend.an under the radar tube preamp posted by Sprezza Tura on September 29, 2014 at 07:32:48
I think that's fair. I always look at the overall cost of a thing including the resale value. And try to see the net cost. I think the biggest reason I am a fan is that everything I have purchased has essentially been free in that I can sell my ten year old OTO and J/Spe for more than I originally paid for them and recently sold my TT2 for more than I paid for it. The models stay for 20 years - the prices continue to rise and rise.
It's the one downside with the Chinese gear I have purchased - while it sounds good - it basically drops in half as soon as you buy it.
I too am looking at preamps and looking at an M3 preamp and a Chinese preamp and an ARC preamp. But in 10 years I would likely get what I pay or very close to it on the M3. The Arc I will lose 40-50% on and the Chinese preamp? Well that's the question. If a company changes model numbers and discontinues the old it's value drops faster than an anchor.
And then I look to the parts quality from caps, wiring, resisters, transformers and I want to see if those things are better than what is in the M3.
I saw the old M-One in HK for about $1000 used (no negotiation) and it originally sold new in 2005 for $699. I actually like the looks of the older versions - this is the M-Zero which looks the same and the parts were inside were very good.
The downside is that not all their stuff works well with non AN stuff - there is a fussy factor.
I think it's pretty sad that there are not very many full function tube preamps for under $2k. I saw some nice Melody amps at my dealer - maybe they have something?
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Btw..I would def. be interested in Melody gear...heard it in HK with Zu speakers and was impressed.
You were probably at the dealer I bought my LM amp at since they sell Melody and Zu Audio and Rogue Audio.
I don't think Melody or LM have preamps for $2k - they would be closer to $4k unfortunately.
I always ask the dealer to switch the Zu out for the ATC SCM 100. The Zu impress me in a short session but I have issues with them on longer session.
But good luck with it. Sounds like you have a pretty decent list already. Rogue is pretty good bang for the buck.
I will be honest, I don't give a darn about resale value. I don't sell gear, ever, and I don't buy used gear, ever.
What I buy I use. I have 3 systems in the house and I am building a 4th.
If you are shopping in my price range, then the suggestions I am pursuing from this thread are the Rogue Metis or Perseus Magnum, The Mapletree models, the Quicksilver, Van Alstine, and a NOS ARC Sp16.
Where do I find out about the NOS Audio Research SP 16?
........I was a vegetarian for 15 minutes... until the main course.
There are dealers who still have some. Member Mbnx just bought one.
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