Advice? Less than $4k, solid state preamp, neutral to gentle


There are many many posts about recommendations for preamps, so many to sift through that I thought getting a couple answers off the top of your heads might be ok to ask for.

Here's my situation: I am looking for a backup, solid state preamp to work with (a) Quicksilver mono block amps and (b) a Pass XA 25. I have (c) two DACs that I like, a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and a modded-out MHDT Orchid. My speakers (d) are Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers w/RAAL tweeters, and I have three subs.

My current preamps are both tube -- one is a 6SN7 preamp similar to an Ultraverve 3 and the other is a Quicksilver Line Stage.

I like having solid state alternatives to tube gear both to hear different sonic presentations and also in case I want to give tubes a break or if a tube goes bad.

I have tried autoformer preamps (more or less a straight wire with gain) such as the Bent Tapx and I don't like it on my system. I need a bit more.

If money was no object, I'd probably go drop $5k on an Ayre KX-5. That is a bit steep for me at the moment.

So, the question is: What solid state preamp, less than $4k, used or new, would you recommend to give a fairly neutral to warm/gentle presentation? Or that you simply like for reliability, interface, etc.?

Thanks.

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I've got Ayre....  it's about 10 yrs old....never had a bit of trouble with it.  Sounds great.

OP- compared to the Freya (with tubes), the Topping offered a little more clarity, and a little less bass "bloom".

 

It is all about personal taste.  According to Thomas (& Stereo), Pre90 is a colored preamp offering more forward, sharpening sound.  When paired with a system that is already revealing, it might be too much of a good thing.  It pushes the details almost to the limit.  Some people might be impressed by it but others (including myself) might find it fatiguing after a few hours of listening.  Other coveats include poor remote control (same remote across almost all topping gears) and the poorer SE performance.  

In my opinion, one you should consider is the Pass-Labs XP12.  I personally have the XP-22 and I purchased an XP-12 for my daughter's system.  In comparison to the XP-22 the XP-22 is a little quieter and slightly more dynamic, however the comparative sonics are quite close.  The XP-12 is a very smooth and detailed preamp, built like a tank, very reliable and well designed.  I believe used, you can find one for ~$4K or less.  

Good Luck in your preamp search !