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Need Preamp Recommendation

I'm going back to separates after years of owning just integrated amps (some tube, mostly solid state). The amp will be solid state, pure class A. I'm keeping the cost down for now. Up to, say $2K, are there significant sonic differences between tube and SS preamps and what is your preference sonically to mate with (class A) SS?
greg7
soix
9,456 posts
 
what is your preference sonically to mate with (class A) SS?
Who cares?  The only thing that matters are your preferences.  What sound characteristics are you looking for?
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
I use Audible Illusions M3B with Plinius SA102.
M3B sounds much better than Plinius M16P and Prima Luna Dialogue premium.
The only catch is, M3B does not have a remote and its tube life is shorter than average, and their service is not prompt. Its used price is around 2K.
One of the best sounding tube preamps at its price.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
as @soix says, it is YOUR preference that matters, as always... but we make allowance for the possibility that folks asking for others’ preferences is to help establish their own

here are some very nice combos:

-- c-j et5 into belles sa30 or pass xxx
-- c-j prem 16 into audiosector patek se
-- arc ref 3 or 5 into hegel h20/30 (balanced)
-- modwright swl 9.0 into arc 100.2

latter amps are not class a only but they are just as sweet, and more powerful than most
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