2. amps-preamps
  3. 161767-2439

Benchmark HPA4 vs. SST Thoebe II

Hi,

I'm considering one of these two preamps. I suspect they have similar sound that I am looking for being detailed, dynamic and having width and depth. My source is a Schiit Yiggy 1 with Unisom USB and my amps are PS Audio M700 monos into Montana XP-1's. Any opinions, or facts would be helpful to my making a choice.

Thanks
koestner
mike_in_nc
1,154 posts
 
I haven't heard either. The thing I notice is the bass and treble controls on the Thoebe II. Those could be nice when listening to sub-optimal recordings.
yyzsantabarbara
4,885 posts
 
Do you have headphones, if not, the LA4 is the same as the HPA4 but $500 cheaper. I have never heard the SST but the HPA4, which I own, is a great piece and has no sonic signature. It is the quietest preamp I have ever heard and that makes a huge difference for my enjoyment of music. Every piece I connect to the preamp sounds better than with other preamps I have owned. You are only hearing the sources not the preamp. The volume control is also the best one I have owned. Better than the one on my old BAT VK-42SE SS preamp which was more than 2x more expensive a decade ago.

If you are into headphones. It sounds incredible with my Meze Empy. I have only heard the Bryston BHA-1 headphone amp side by side and I liked the 0 fatiguing HPA4. The BHA-1 had some fatigue.
More to discover