Which of These Budget SS Preamps?

I'll vote with Jond for your considering a 'budget' tube pre to go with your Parasound. My only experience with Parasound amps is in hearing their top-of-the-line Halo amps pushed by an SS pre (cannot recall which). To me this combination sounded extremely detailed, had a wide and relatively flat soundstage, plenty airy for an SS amp, yet ultimately the whole thing left me cold. I think it was so analytical and sterile that I longed for warmth and musicality from the rig...something to pull me in more than it did. I've had this experience with other all SS rigs which have impressed me on some levels as this one did. At least give a tube pre a try to see the differences it may make. I might suggest a used Audible Illusions modulus 3a on that front, but there are many others. The combination of a tube pre and an SS amp can often bring out the best of both worlds. I think the sucess of many hybrid integrated designs speak to that end.

Marco

Yes, Audio Research LS-3.

Again, The Audio research LS3 will blow all of the above away.

If you can stand a tube preamp, check out the Eastern Electric Minimax upgraded version (about $950 new). Very neutral and detailed, huge bass response. I was going to spend $2k on a preamp until I heard this one-incredible detail and frequency extension. It took about 150 hours to really sound nice, and I swear it is still improving. Really responds well to tube rolling-I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Plus, Bill (the distributor) is a pleasure to work with and provides 1st rate service during and after the sale. For me, the Minimax provides just enough "meat-on-the-bones" with my tube selection that it is real pleasure to listen to jazz and orchestra music.

I have to fully agree with the others about the Audio Research LS-3 or 3B. Fine piece for the price. Does everything very well.

I wouldn't mind getting another for my second system.