Elekit TU-8500 ASSEEMBLED with MASSIVE UPGRADES

For sale is this fully assembled and fully loaded Elekit TU-8500. This fully assembled unit has been upgraded to get the most out of this already exceptional tube preamp. If you've never heard of this pre, do your self a favor a Google "Elekit TU-8500 reviews" and you'll see what all the fuss is about.

I say this one has been "fully loaded" due to the upgrades I've made. Upgrades include the following:

Capacitors: The stock output caps have been replaced. I initially added some unmarked caps from a manufacturer I know (I can't say) which removed the sterility and coldness I heard from the stock caps. This was good, but not great so I paralleled some Jupiter Condenser Comet SILVER FOIL caps. This imparted a smooth and more lifelike quality with a blacker background and highs that were both clearer and easier to listen to. Very worthwhile.

Tubes: While not published, the Tu-8500 happily accepts 12AT7 tubes. After trying a few different 12AU7 and 12AT7 tubes, I landed on a pair of 12AT7/5965 GE special side-getter cleartops. These have a nice and lush quality to them while remaining very quiet with no microphonics thanks to the lower gain, and rigidity of the dual side getters. A perfect fit.

Discrete Op Amps: The phono stage uses Op-amps. I replaced these with Sparkos SS3602 Discrete op amps. For those of you who have never heard discrete op amps (Burson, Sparkos, Staccato, etc) they completely transform anything you put them in. The Sparkos in particular have very low distortion levels and a sound signature that is fast and vivid.

Phono Output Caps: The output caps in the phono stage have also been upgraded to Mundorf MCap Evo capacitors. I picked these primarily of their size, but they are a definite upgrade over the stock caps.

With upgrades, this unit punches WAY above it's price point (assembled stock units go for $1,000 or more). This is a perfect preamp for those looking to add a little tube goodness to their system while not sacrificing detail and dynamics. The unit has a few minor cosmetic imperfections (see pictures), so I am selling it cheap. If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up. Thanks!