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
mwood
56 posts
 

The answer is simple; Backert labs. I’ve owned both SS and tube preamps and never anything remotely like my Backert pre. The two 12AU7 tubes will last a lifetime. The pristine nature of the sound will blow your mind. I own the Rhythmn and it never fails to leave me in awe after 2 years of continuous listening. It’s paired with 300B mono blocks and the sound is very detailed but with the realism only possible by well designed tube power amps and DeVore O96’s. 

mitch2
4,006 posts
 

I can offer three suggestions to consider that are not the usual candidates.  All three can stay powered up all the time:

  • SMc Audio VRE-1C - This is one of the most natural solid state preamps out there.  Unfortunately, it is above your price range and almost never comes up for sale used.  However, you can still have most of the magic with either one of SMc Audio's new stripped down versions, or by having them modify an old McCormack TLC-1 preamp (like mine).  These are active preamps with typically +6dB gain, (although mine is a unity gain version) and they provide all the bass and rich tonality you would ever want.  Contact Patrick at SMc Audio.
  • Life-Changer Audio icOn 5 - These are passive AVC units using Dave Slagle's autoformers in copper or silver.  They sound very natural with very good bass, great tone, and just a touch of warmth.  Srajan at 6moons uses one in his main system.  I owned the 4Pro balanced unit and it sounded very good driving my amps with input impedance of only 10K ohms.  The icOn 5 uses a switchable input buffer to allow the full performance to take place with partnering equipment of any impedance. 
  • Hattor Audio Ultimate Preamp - A very good sounding solid state preamp, and amazing for the price.  Get the dual mono, with AMRG resistors, and passive/active switchable gain (0, +3, +6, or +9 dB) using the op-amps of your choice (Staccato, OPA2134.  Great display, remote, and outboard power supply.  Other manufacturers use their volume controls.
dmiller01
17 posts
 

I would echo the positive comments on the CODA 07X. The new FET version of this preamp is excellent. Absolutely silent, warm tube-like presentation, with great detail and resolution. I replaced a Classe preamp with the CODA 07X and the increase in detail was noticeable while maintaining a very a natural, musical sound. 

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,119 posts
 

If you can find used  Krell krc3 preamp. Before I bought it? I read it sounds like tube. The only Krell sounds close to tube? It has rca and balance.

12many
274 posts
 

You may want to look at the BHK preamp from PS audio.  They just went on sale for 50% off.  Great deal.  I recently added one to my system and it is wonderful.  It is a nice balance between SS and tubes.  

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