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SS Pre-amps that can beat an Audio Research sp16

What SS pre-amps are out there that can be considered a serious contender to replace or upgrade from an ARC sp-16.

I've had the sp16 for a few years now and like it very much. But I still have it in the back of my head that I would prefer to go all SS if possible to eliminate any tube noise issues/concerns which come up on occasion, and perhaps to enable greater frequency bandwidth, which I suspect is possible.

I am looking mainly for detail, wide bandwidth, tonal neutrality, soundstage and imaging.

Here are my leading contenders I have identified to date. I am open to feedback on these or others.

1) Benchmark (integrated preamp/DAC)
2) Bel Canto (pre-amp only or integrated with DAC)
3) McCormick
4) Others?

Thanks in advance for your input.
128x128mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
No doubt the sp16 is an absolutely fantastic piece especially at its price point.

I am really just about 100% pleased with what I have whenever I listen, I have to pull myself away eventually though. I suppose that's the best sign there is.

HEy but I still get the urge to experiment from time to time. It's part of the curse I suppose.....

Plus I am really learning a lot from teh responses in this thread. GEtting more armed and dangerous....
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Tim,

Spread Spectrum is an impressive looking beast. A bit large and pricey for me at this point though.

Can you compare or contrast it to the BC or BEnchmark or others from what you have heard? In what way/ways is it better/different?

Thanks.
timlub
2,041 posts
 
Hi Mapman,
How It compares. Well I've never heard any of these compared in the same system. So my comments might not be fair...
Benchmark.... What I heard was fairly fast, transparent, but leaned toward dry... not dry, just leaning that way.
The Bel Canto, As close as I've heard to dead neutral... I would say the weakness was sound stage, detailed placement, width etc....
SST Ambrosia, Even though to my ears, it doesn't sound like tubes. I would say, take what you would consider being dead neutral in Tubes. That's how I would consider the Ambrosia. It just has a texture to it that I enjoyed. Its phono section was great and the tone controls work without causing harm to the sound stage.
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Tin, was it the newer BEnchmark pre/DAC device that you heard or the older version that has been out for a few years?

I have read a few things indicating the newer version is not "dry" or perhaps as "analytical" sounding as the older version, perhaps more "Bel Canto" like?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Klyne 7 Preamp good sound, adjustable Gain, can be matched to any amp
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