AudioFu

Best Golden Age Audio Preamps 2025

Premium Golden Age Audio preamps - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Microphone Recording For High-End Recording For Analog Warmth For Professional Studios
BRANDS: Warm Audio SPL Neve Heritage Audio TritonAudio Focusrite Cloud Microphones Avalon Golden Age Audio Behringer Universal Audio Rupert Neve Designs ART
Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 DLX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 DLX

by Golden Age Audio
Microphone Recording Analog Warmth Professional Studios
Key Feature:
• Professional recording quality
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording quality
  • • Clean gain without noise
✗ CONS
  • • Subjective sonic improvements
  • • Additional complexity and connections

Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 DLX1-Channel Microphone / Line / Instrument PreamplifierNo integrated circuits in the...

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 495411
$703
Buy at Thomann View Details
Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73

by Golden Age Audio
High-End Recording Microphone Recording Analog Warmth
Key Feature:
• Analog warmth and character
✓ PROS
  • • Superior microphone preamplification
  • • Essential for high-end recording
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive professional models
  • • Additional complexity and connections

Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-731-Channel Microphone Line and Instrument PreampDiscretely constructedCarnhill input and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 441331
$538
Buy at Thomann View Details
Golden Age Audio Premier PREQ-73 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Golden Age Audio Premier PREQ-73

by Golden Age Audio
Analog Warmth High-End Recording Professional Studios
Key Feature:
• Professional recording quality
✓ PROS
  • • Superior microphone preamplification
  • • Essential for high-end recording
✗ CONS
  • • Subjective sonic improvements
  • • Expensive professional models

Golden Age Audio Premier PREQ-731-Channel Preamplifier with EqualiserSuitable for microphoneline and instrument...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 455928
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Golden Age Audio Project PRE-73 MKIV - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Golden Age Audio Project PRE-73 MKIV

by Golden Age Audio
Microphone Recording High-End Recording Analog Warmth
Key Feature:
• Clean gain without noise
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording quality
  • • Essential for high-end recording
✗ CONS
  • • Requires balanced connections
  • • May be redundant with interface preamps

Golden Age Audio Project PRE-73 MKIV1-Channel microphoneline and instrument preamplifierVintage styleNo integrated...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 578856
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 Jr - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 Jr

by Golden Age Audio
Analog Warmth Microphone Recording Professional Studios
Key Feature:
• Professional recording quality
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for high-end recording
  • • Analog warmth and character
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive professional models
  • • May be redundant with interface preamps

Golden Age Audio Premier PRE-73 Jr1-Channel MicrophoneLine and Instrument PreamplifierDiscrete constructionCarnhill...

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 547241
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Golden Age Audio Project Pre-73 Jr MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Golden Age Audio Project Pre-73 Jr MKII

by Golden Age Audio
Microphone Recording High-End Recording Professional Studios
Key Feature:
• Superior microphone preamplification
✓ PROS
  • • Clean gain without noise
  • • Superior microphone preamplification
✗ CONS
  • • Subjective sonic improvements
  • • May be redundant with interface preamps

Golden Age Audio Project Pre-73 Jr MKII1-Channel Microphone PreamplifierNo integrated circuits used in the signal...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540293
$307
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Preamps

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced preamps typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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