Neutral preamplifier recommendation $1K new


Must have: Active, remote, two XLR  inputs and XLR output.

Units I’m considering.

Denafrips Hestia

Ladder Bach

Schiit Kara

Topping Pre90

Vincent Audio SA32

Looking for a unit that measures well & has no/little sound of its own. Right now I’m leaning towards the Kara.

mybuddy

@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.

You might want to check out an Audio Alchemy unit at TMR.  It received many accolades ... Upgraded, external power supply.  Meets budget! Good luck ....

 https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/audio-alchemy-ddp-1-dac-with-ps-5-6-power-supply-upgrade-d-a-converter/

@blackbag20 The DDP-1 has a built in DAC. Also it’s 10 years old & would be difficult to get repaired.

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