2. amps-preamps
  3. 191802-4635

Solid State Preamp to replace tube unit

I currently own a CJ tube preamp. Ive always owned tube preamps and I would like to get my first solid state preamp.I am fed up with buying expensive hard to find tubes that last 3 months or new production tubes with that not so great sound. I pine for consistency. I probably wont sell my CJ I'll just keep it. My power amps are NAD M23 for the summer and CJ Premiere 12's for the winter.

Since I dont dabble in the solid state world I am not sure what to get. I figure since this is my first SS unit 4-5k preowned??. Some brands I have considered CODA< Pass, AYRE, Classe, Bel Canto, Krell etc. Note: I have tried the Parasound and Benchmark but they didnt do it for me. I dont like anayltical sterile sound. If it is a touch warm/colored that is probably good as I am coming from a very warm CJ tube unit.

Must haves are a remote with balance control. Multiple outputs (XLR and RCA). I have an outboard phono pre. Thank you for reading and for your suggestions.

jimbones
mlsstl
1,436 posts
 

You might want to check out the Schiit Kara preamp. It's received a number of glowing reviews. I haven't personally tried this model but I've been very pleased with all the Schiit gear I've tried.  They do have a trial period for their gear with a 5% restocking fee on this model.

jimbones OP
256 posts
 

@stringreen the K x5emp? It seems there are multiple versions of this pre..

 

jimbones OP
256 posts
 

@marco1 ha ha thanks. I know what you mean. But I think since I wont actually part ways with the CJ, I can experiment with out going through withdrawal.

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 

Jim.....I have the Ayre K 1xemp......I believe the K1 is the higher end than is the K5.    I've been loving this thing for many years (bought it new)....never a problem.   I'm using it with balanced cables have the phono pre installed...dead silent even with the volume high.   Recommended

sls883
335 posts
 

I had a conrad-johnson PV-14L preamp. The best tubes were a little hard to find (Mullard M8080), but they lasted forever.  I upgraded to a Premier 17LS2, but it developed an issue and I returned it.

I went to a LTA MicroZOTL preamp.  It's not known be be overly warm sounding like the older c-j, so I was worried that I'd miss the warmth.  Don't miss it at all.  The LTA takes four tubes, but they last a long time.  The NOS Telefunken tubes that I like are a little pricey, but there are NOS Siemens tubes that are a close second for less money. 

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