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At US$2,000, this Threshold FET TEN/PC preamp sits just below the 75th percentile of US$1,150–US$2,065 for recent comparable listings, making it a fair—not cheap—price compared to the median of US$1,400. For that money, you’re likely better off hunting a clean FET Nine, which often lists around US$1,100 (€999), giving you more margin for restoration or accessories.
The FET TEN/PC is well-regarded for its clean, low-distortion gain using field-effect transistors, delivering a smooth, open sound that pairs beautifully with moving-magnet cartridges. Its original-owner unknown condition could be a plus if it’s truly unmodified and well-stored, but without clarity on age, cosmetics, or included cables, the upside is limited. If the unit tests perfectly and includes a power cord, it’s a solid buy for a vintage transistor preamp fan; otherwise, wait for a clearer listing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Threshold Audio emerged in Sacramento, California, in 1974, founded by renowned audio engineer Nelson Pass alongside graphic designer René Besne and Joe Sammut. Pass, a pioneer in amplifier design, launched the brand with the groundbreaking Threshold 800A power amplifier in 1975, introducing a novel sliding bias system that boosted Class A efficiency while employing 48 output transistors in a sophisticated triple-series/triple-parallel configuration. This California-rooted heritage defined Threshold as an innovator during its original run, which spanned until the mid-1990s, after which the intellectual property changed hands, including a 1994 acquisition by investor Randy Patton, who integrated it with PS Audio and relocated operations to Camarillo.
The brand focused squarely on high-end amplification, producing iconic power amplifiers like the 400A and 800A, the Stasis series renowned for their balanced Class A performance, and preamplifiers such as the NS10, SL10, and FET range including the FET-1, FET-2, FET-9, and FET-10. Later designs, like the T-200 by engineer Michael Bladelius, continued this legacy. Threshold eschewed speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, concentrating instead on pure analog amplification that prioritized sonic purity and robustness.
Threshold holds a revered position as a vintage high-end icon, cherished by collectors and audiophiles for its enduring sound quality and Pass's technical wizardry. Once a market leader in premium solid-state gear from 1975 to 1992, it remains a sought-after name in the used market, embodying boutique excellence rather than mass production, with modern revivals under Threshold Audio sustaining its elite reputation.
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