Need A Quick Education

Mwilson,
S/N in this case is more for the amplifier domain than in preamp and low-powered amps for horns usually have S/N much higher than 90dB.

Maybe I should back up a bit and restate what I am asking. I am trying to understand SNR as it applies to a preamp. What does it mean? How important is it? Is there a good "benchmark" number to look for on a SS pre. Is >100dB better than 90dB? If yes/no, why? Believe me, I will always try to listen to the equipment first, when possible and I have always trusted my ears when it comes to equipment purchases. I put "little" stock into stats as well but they can at least point you in a certain direction when comparison with your senses is not possible.

Marakanetz,
S/N ratio isn't measured for speakers, you're thinking of sensitivity (also reported in dB).

Treyhoss,

S/N ratio is the same specification for CD players, tape decks, and pre-amps. It is the ration of the noise generated by the electronics themselves to the desired signal passing through those electronics. So, all other things being equal, the higher the S/N ratio, the better the gear since the less noise (junk, trash, grain, etc) it will add to the audio signal.

That said, the others (and you) are right. A pre- with a S/N ratio of 110 dB is not automatically better than a pre- with a S/N ratio of 100 dB. I would think that most competent designers could manage a S/N ratio of >90 dB, though.

The preamp I am leaning toward has a SNR of 90dB. The model is the Audio Refinement Pre-5 which has all the features I am looking for - no DSP and everything remains in the analogue domain. The other preamp I am looking at which will serve a similar purpose is the Sony TA-P9000es which has an SNR of >100dB. Both seem to use dedicated circuits and appear to be well built. The Audio Refinement is the "economic" line of YBA. The Sony, well... The Sony seems to have the better stats here but I have been unable to listen to one because they seem to be out of stock every where I go. The only way to get the Audio Refinement piece is out of a dealer in NY that I have never dealt with before. I am in Dallas, TX. See my dilemma?