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Timing matters here because this is an established older-generation preamp, so the real question is whether the asking price reflects its standing in the current used market. At US$1,800, it lands well above the US$909 median and even above the US$1,537 75th percentile for recent comparable listings, so this is ambitious rather than a deal.
That said, this line is well regarded for a clean, transparent presentation and a straightforward, high-value path into serious two-channel sound, so a strong example can still justify attention. If the unit is truly clean, includes the right accessories, and has a known service history or original-owner provenance, it can still make sense for someone who specifically wants this sound and feature set. At this price, though, buyers should expect exceptional condition or extras to close the gap.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
PS Audio, a pioneering American hi-fi brand, traces its roots to 1973 when co-founder Paul McGowan launched the company in California alongside Stan Warren. Emerging from the analog golden age, it debuted with a standalone phono preamplifier, reflecting McGowan's early passion for vinyl playback honed through radio station connections and encounters with audio enthusiasts. The brand quickly evolved, embracing digital audio in the 1980s by releasing one of the first high-end CD players, the PS Audio CD-1, soon after Philips and Sony introduced the format.
Today, PS Audio specializes in premium electronics, including power amplifiers, preamplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and integrated amplifiers, with a hallmark focus on power conditioning via innovative AC regenerators known as Power Plants. These devices, born from Stan Warren's mid-1980s discovery that oversized transformers enhance audio performance, remain a cornerstone. The lineup also encompasses digital lenses for refining streaming and disc playback, alongside select analog components, though it eschews speakers, headphones, turntables, or cables.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, PS Audio commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its bold engineering and unwavering pursuit of musical purity. Celebrating 50 years in 2023, it occupies a niche as an innovator rather than a mass-market player, appealing to buyers who prioritize transformative power delivery and digital refinement in sophisticated systems.
See all PS Audio listings on RADAR.
