Advice? Less than $4k, solid state preamp, neutral to gentle


There are many many posts about recommendations for preamps, so many to sift through that I thought getting a couple answers off the top of your heads might be ok to ask for.

Here's my situation: I am looking for a backup, solid state preamp to work with (a) Quicksilver mono block amps and (b) a Pass XA 25. I have (c) two DACs that I like, a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and a modded-out MHDT Orchid. My speakers (d) are Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers w/RAAL tweeters, and I have three subs.

My current preamps are both tube -- one is a 6SN7 preamp similar to an Ultraverve 3 and the other is a Quicksilver Line Stage.

I like having solid state alternatives to tube gear both to hear different sonic presentations and also in case I want to give tubes a break or if a tube goes bad.

I have tried autoformer preamps (more or less a straight wire with gain) such as the Bent Tapx and I don't like it on my system. I need a bit more.

If money was no object, I'd probably go drop $5k on an Ayre KX-5. That is a bit steep for me at the moment.

So, the question is: What solid state preamp, less than $4k, used or new, would you recommend to give a fairly neutral to warm/gentle presentation? Or that you simply like for reliability, interface, etc.?

Thanks.

128x128hilde45

Here’s a used XP-12 in your price range.  Seems like a solid choice especially since you’ve got a Pass amp.  Best of luck. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb1g78-pass-labs-xp-12-solid-state

Hatter Audio, Passive/Active Preamp - The Big

Choose Amtrans AMRG carbon film resistors and the active NewClassD opamp output stage for a total price of $2500.

  • Passive or Active operation
  • Selectable 3/6/9 dB gain 
  • Balanced and single-ended inputs/outputs
  • Outboard linear power supply
  • Large display - choice of colors
  • Remote control of mute, volume, balance, input, display brightness, and active-passive mode

Add their Tube Active Stage for a total cost of $4,400 for the preamp and tube stage.

I would keep an eye out on the anniversary wyred4sound preamp. I have the standard one and it's pretty much the sound you are describing.

Correction, their dac is the anniversary, the preamp I have is the STP-SE stage 2, great connectivity too.