Customer Reviews

Dared SL-2000A

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Dared SL2000A has gotten plenty of positive reviews, and I can see why.

It is solidly well-built, physically attractive, and -- most importantly -- it sounds really good.

The latest version has two inputs and two outputs, as well as a wooden remote volume control.

This compact, versatile unit is a great way to add some tube warmth and liquidity to your system at a reasonable price. It is often available on the used market for about $300, which is what I paid for mine.

My only minor quibble with the unit is a minor aesthetic one: there's a large unsightly engraving of the Dared logo, model number and -- bizarrely -- a toy-like line drawing of tube etched into one side of the chrome body. IMHO, it is an unfortunate aesthetic blunder on an otherwise classy chassis.

That tiny gripe aside, this little preamp has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of audio gear. I find myself listening to the budget system in which I have it more frequently than some of my more pricey systems.

In short, this little Dared is highly recommended -- especially with some nice NOS tube substitutions!

PS - When I first wrote this review, the retail price was in the low to mid 400's. Now I see it has gone up again to 519. At that price, I'm not sure that it is such a bargain. My advice would be to keep an eye out for a used one in good condition.