The Topping pre90 has gain issues that may or may not work with your amp. It was awful with all the amps that I had without adjustable gain.
The Kara maybe like my Schitt Mjolnir v3. That preamp sounds pretty good, but it is not really a neutral sound. I was under the impression that the Kara was similar sonically to the more expensive Mjolnir. I use the warm Mjolnir + Schitt Aegir v1 amp with bright headphones.
If you could save up another $1k you will be able to find a used Benchmark LA4 for $2k-ish. I used this preamp on every amp I have owned and loved the pairing. Currently I use it with the Sanders Magtech or the CODA #16. The LA4 is loved (and hated by some) for being the king of neutrality. I would not change this preamp for another preamp at any price (even if given for free).
Benchmark LA4 Pre-Amplifier For Sale - US Audio Mart
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No such thing. consider a passive preamp, transformer based is best.
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@yyzsantabarbara If $$$ was not an issue … I agree the LA4 is ideal. Used LA4 is almost 3x the price of a new Kara.
@carlsbad2 You have a recommendation?
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Not all amps pair well with passive preamps, so if you’re considering that make sure your amp is compatible first.
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Freya+ is not a neutral preamp. It is even warmer than the Class A Schitt Mjolnir v3 that I have now. I owned the Freya+ at one time.
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The Kara may be a very good choice.
The three gain options are great.
The input impedance is not great. Match wisely
Having a preamp that uses 10% of the volume dial due to excessive gain can be quite annoying. The Kara is the opposite of that.
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Check out Pro-ject Phono Box DS3 B. I have one as I just entered the balanced world of hifi. It is SS but they do have a tube model.
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@wturkey My phono preamp output impedance is 300 ohms so I am concerned. My amplifier will be fine at 147K. One reason why I haven’t the trigger on the Kara. I appreciate the input.
@sschlund I already have a phono preamp. Sorry I should have been more precise. I am looking for a line level only preamplifier.
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@blackbag20 The DDP-1 has a built in DAC. Also it’s 10 years old & would be difficult to get repaired.
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I would probably try Vincent but Kara gets good press ...
Good luck!
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I own 2 LA-4 pre amps. Love them. One for a much more expensive system. Both run in a Balanced mode. Great company, "RORY" great to deal with a very knowledgeable, 30 day trial period. HPA-4 I believe is their upgraded version of the LA-4 with a headphone amp that is highly regarded. Robert TN
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@robshaw Unfortunately the Benchmark LA4 is way above my budget, even used. The preamps listed above are ~$1K NEW.
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HPA-4 I believe is their upgraded version of the LA-4 with a headphone amp that is highly regarded.
The HPA4 and the LA4 sound the same on 2-channel. I have the HPA4 and owned the LA4.
@mybuddy I spent a bit of time at the SBAF web site (a very interesting audio site) looking into the Schitt gear. Seems the Schitt Mjolnir v3 preamp (no remote) that I also own is a huge hit over there. It is my 3rd best preamp, but folks seem to love it.
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@yyzsantabarbara The Mjolnir is primarily a headphone amp. It does not have the 2 XLR inputs & remote that I require. My listening is via speakers, NO headphones.
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@mybuddy Yes, it is sold as a headphone amp but for my needs the headphone amp is not good. I use it as a 2-channel preamp, and it is very good that way.
My Benchmark HAP4 preamp is also sold as a headphone amp, and it is also no good for my headphone needs but great as a 2-channel.
My Holo Audio Serene preamp also has a headphone amp (XLR1) and it is also no good for my headphone needs.
I am 3 for 3 with my preamps and headphones.
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Looking for a unit that measures well & has no/little sound of its own.
No such thing. Forget it.
Instead I would drop the XLR requirement and look for the best sounding preamp for $1000.
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Yes. $1000 used Rogue RP1 actually insanely good preamp. Quiet, transparent and you can tailor the sound by trying different tubes.
Has great phono stage built in.
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OP...for about that money you can audition and purchase a Hornshoppe Truth line stage. I don't believe Ed has balanced connectors available for it. Regardless of that it would be extremely difficult to beat it balanced at any price point.
I've fiddled around in this hobby since the late 60's and have never heard any component get out of the way like this one. It just does its job with zero sonic signature that I can perceive. I had mine built with just a single input eliminating the selector and necessary connectors. Perhaps allowing a minorly cleaner presentation.
The standard Truth is a 0 gain unit however, I know Ed offers a 6db gain version which I haven't heard.
Perhaps it's worth investigating.
LP
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Oh...one more thought. Don't let the cosmetics scare you:)
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A used Audio Alchemy DDP-1 is a fantastic choice - Peter Madnick a top audiophile engineer with extensive contributions to many top audiophile companies including Constellation, Elac, and MoFi.
Cannot find other non-tube preamps in that price point.
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@kennyc
Totally agree. I have owned a DDP-1 for ~ 3 years, but when I bought it the seller did not hve the PS5. I took ~ 6 months before I located one. It's must have addition. I have made lots of change over the 3 years, the AA clearly revealed them
HTH
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I have a phono preamp and a DAC and both are keepers.
I’m looking for a $1K line stage NEW to partner with my tube amplifiers.
@lpretiring I appreciate the The Truth Pre Amp recommendation. Not one I’ve seen before so I will investigate.
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I have a measly Schit Freya S that sounds pretty neutral to me and I believe has published measurements that bear that out.
The 3 way adjustable gain including passive mode is a nice feature to help match to various amps!
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@mapman As I noted above, I am leaning towards Schiit Kara; the current iteration of the Freya S. I like that it's built in the US with a 5 year warranty. This post is to see if there were similar preamps to consider.
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I ended up purchasing the Schiit Freya+. I could not pass it up, Schiit is having a LAST CALL special saving $250!
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