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
sls883
370 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. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 

get a Music Reference…. have it gone thru by a respected tech if needed, load it w RAM low noise tubes and ahhhhh. Modjeski famous for LONG tube life n sonics for a reason…. i sold a lot of CJ gear and owned a Premier 3….. so yea, i get the attraction….

The Ayre recommendation is certainly solid gear but it’s like pure water neutral and shines in XLR usage >>>>> power amp. ditto for more modern ARC using 6H30

Ive had a KX-R in my system long term evaluation and own a REF5se

Have fun

marco1's avatar
marco1
519 posts
 

I have even a better suggestion, I think 🤔. Why don’t you opt for a recent model CJ pre? Something like the ET3 or better yet the ET3SE only uses one (1) tube in their line sections. Yes they do have a reputation for being hard on tubes but you don’t need NOS for something like the ET3 to sound really good. New EH are $25 - $30 bucks so you can afford to keep a few in reserve. I have a friend that runs an ET3 with his Pr.11. The system sounds really good and best of all it sounds like Conrad Johnson. No withdrawal needed😎.

jimbones OP
256 posts
 

I already have the ET5 which is higher in the line than the 3 ( I think) I am wondering if a Pass XP20 or XP22 is better than the ET5...

sls883
370 posts
 

@jimbones  Did you ever try Philips Holland 7DJ8 / PCC88 tubes in the ET-5?  I bought a bunch of them for the 17LS2 (it takes four tubes).  I had read that they sound good and they last longer.  Tube Depot has them for $59.

I was bummed when I had to return the 17LS2, but in my opinion, the LTA sounds better. 

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