2. amps-preamps
  3. 181962-72674

Which Line Level, Balanced Preamplifier?

I am running Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speakers and am still deciding on what amplifier I am going to use. I came from a low wattage system when I bought these speakers, and they're quite demanding, so I am looking at something powerful. Almost everything is in the running, but I know I want it to do its job and not have too much character, so I'm considering Benchmark, Parasound, Ayre, Denafrips, etc... This is a different discussion though.

I want to shift my focus to preamps because it might help me dial in my amp choice along the way. I am looking for a fun sound. Not warmth, necessarily, but an engaging, deep and wide soundstage. Definitely not clinical or dry. I have been reading and have been sold on all of these:

-Ayre K-5Xe-mp

-Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE

-Denafrips Athena

-Parasound JC2

-Benchmark HPA4 or LA4

-PS Audio *preamp coming this year* (I'd have to wait for this one, but I'm excited about it)

I would love to hear a strong, educated opinion before I spend the money. Open to other models as well. Tried to find an older model PASS, but people don't really universally love them and I've read they can be a little less engaging in the wrong system. 

Thanks in advance!

 

nickrobotron
celtic66
1,726 posts
 

Sugden LA 4.  Brilliant kit that will set things afire with speed and impact.  No syrup here.  Rich but not lush.  Great sound stage.  The Brits do this one right.

tomaswv
244 posts
 

I am very happy with my Bel Canto Pre5. It is dead quiet, fully balanced, and does everything I need it to do. I think the sound is very neutral and resolving but not analytical. I run Bel Canto monoblocks (500m) but have also used it with an Audio Van Alstine Set 120 amp. I use a Cambridge 851N streamer and DAC and my hires and DSD files sound excellent. Dali Mentor5 speakers. The Pre5 is value for money and built to last. And a good company who answers questions promptly.

I haven’t owned but have heard the Benchmark HPA4 and I would consider that as well. Dead quiet, resolving, and neutral. Especially if you do headphones. 

illaheman's avatar
illaheman
42 posts
 

Often overlooked though shouldn’t be…Hegel, P-20 or P-30

vthokie83
1,019 posts
 

I have not heard the Denafrips Athena, but am extremely happy with my Denafrips Hades pre-amp driving a Denafrips Thallo amp. I do love the “house” sound of their products; slightly warm, wide soundstage with depth, effortless power with great attack, terrific vocals, and no irritating treble. Driving bookshelf Buchardt S400MkII speakers. Only negative I have about Denafrips products is no trial period

jdub39
500 posts
 

Add the Musical Fidelity MS8 preamp to the short list , its clean ,layered , musical and dynamically an exciting piece to listen to, I have mine paired with an Parasound Halo JC5 and it's just a wow pairing.

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