RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
At US$660, this sits comfortably below the US$820 median and above the US$515 25th percentile, so it reads as a solid fair-to-good buy rather than a steal. It is not cheap enough to call a bargain outright, but it is well inside the zone where a clean example should attract serious interest.
This preamp is respected for its discrete Class A design and the kind of smooth, low-fatigue presentation that works especially well in revealing systems. If the unit is complete and cosmetically clean, the main upside is getting a serious linestage at a sensible price; just confirm remote, power supply, and all function controls behave properly, since that matters more than the asking price here.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio by Van Alstine (AVA) traces its roots to over 50 years ago, when Frank Van Alstine founded the company in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, USA. A self-taught audio enthusiast sparked by a teacher's component system in 7th grade, Van Alstine built a legacy on engineering simplicity and musical integrity, assembling gear with skilled U.S. technicians who prioritize true high fidelity. Though Frank passed away in January following a short illness, AVA endures, upholding his vision of state-of-the-art performance without excess.
The brand specializes in complete, synergistic high-fidelity systems, excelling in amplifiers—from compact monoblock power amps like the DVA M225, which employ a unique pure differential SET design, to integrated control amplifiers such as the Synergy series and stereo models like the NP1 delivering 55 watts into 8 ohms. Their lineup emphasizes straightforward, award-winning electronics that deliver exceptional sound at accessible prices, often integrating seamlessly for full-system builds.
AVA holds a respected niche among discerning hi-fi buyers as a boutique American maker of high-end yet value-driven gear, free of audiophile hype. Known for diminutive yet potent amplifiers praised in specialist reviews, it appeals to those seeking reliable, musical excellence over flashy marketing, backed by direct expert consultation from real people.
See all Audio by Van Alstine listings on RADAR.
