Preamps with Dual XLR Outputs

@yyzsantabarbara

The Atma-Sphere MP-3 and MP-1 both have dual balanced outputs and no worries driving low impedances. FWIW Atma-Sphere made the first balanced line preamps anywhere way back in 1989.

A tip: If your preamps supports the balanced line standard also known as AES48 (Audio Engineering Society file 48) then you will have the ability to drive longer cables without coloration, and less coloration from cables in general. You will also have less likelihood of encountering a ground loop. This will allow you to place the amp right by the speaker if you want, allowing you to run a shorter speaker cable. You also won't have to spend as much on the interconnects!

@atmasphere You are my AES48 hero (save me $$$) and I have been including that feature as an essential requirement when I look into the preamp - amp interface. With my limited experience with Benchmark gear, which support AES48, I tend to agree with your statements about the XLR interconnects. I just did not understand why my Benchmark observations were that way until you explained AES48 in some other threads.

I am not sure if a tube preamp would work well with the Yamaha NS 5000 speaker. I am also not sure if I would get the benefit of super low noise floor of the Benchmark AHB2 with a tube preamp. The Yamaha system will already be a softer sound with the Luxman and the KEF LS50 will be very detailed with the Benchmark. This is my intention to have 2 flavors of sound in my room. I will read up on these 2 atmasphere preamp units though.

So far the W4S preamp jumps at me as being in the same vein as the Benchmark and Mola Mola Makua in design, "straight wire with gain". Though the W4S is supposed to only add gain after pot 64 in the volume control, not sure what that means. I have posted a question to W4S on Facebook about support for AES48. If they respond I will post the answer here.

I would have suggested Ralph’s preamps, but it seemed like you wanted only SS.
To save you some research Ayre KX-R supports the AES 48 standard. If you can find a non-Twenty version, it would be a less expensive route- while still giving you the option of upgrading when finances allow.
That is what I did.
Bob

I have not heard the Ayre but I know people consider the 20 reference caliber. I will keep any eye out for a used unit since I have not bothered a dealer with an audition for that one. I have no problem buying used but not if I demo the same gear at a dealer.

You were correct in your assumption about tubes for the reasons I mentioned above and also the heat factor in my corner room that gets hot in the summer. I spend 8 hours+ a day working and listening to tunes in there. So cooler temp equipment is important. I also have 7 thin computer screens in this room too and they give off heat right into my face. Only 2 silent computers though.

Anyways, the list of preamps that is compiled here is really awesome.

@yyzsantabarbara ,
I was just conversing via email with another Ayre KX-R owner. He and Mr. V. agreed that the Twenty update brought the KX-R to significantly higher level.
FWIW,
I own both the KX-R (non Twenty) and an Atma MP-1 3.3. I used to own the MP-3 3.3, but the KX-R was a definite upgrade, so I had to have Ralph build me an MP-1. Thanks Ralph!😊
I have only had the MP-1 for a month, so things are still burning in, but I think Ralph's work will be the winner.
So, when Ayre has one of their upgrade 'sales', the KX-R will be going in for a tune up- finances permitting.
I really don't need 2 preamps (nor Amps, I also have a set of MX-R's), but after 35 years, I just had to scratch the SS vs. Tubes itch.
To my mind, you wouldn't be unhappy with either the Ayre or Atmasphere preamps, both provide super clean sound. I would have to have my head in a vice for hours to find a negative thing to say about either.
HTH
Bob