What qualities stand out in really good solid state preamps?
Recently I posted on the Herron HL-1, asking people what they thought, how it compared, etc. It's been sold and that's ok. The search continues.
But it raises a question I'd like to ask folks:
What attributes do you look for in a good solid state preamp?
Some qualities — quietness, durability, seem pretty obvious.
But what other criteria do you use to differentiate between solid state preamps?
How can they differ and what matters to you?
Please let me know!
P.S. As I've looked around, I've begun to learn more about some of the legendary preamps — made by companies such as Threshold, Ayre, Bryston, Pass, Apt-Holman, and others. It's good to have these names as references, but it would be even more useful if I knew what these brands conveyed, sonically. I've played with the idea of getting a newer Schiit preamp and then I wonder -- what if there's a "classic" preamp out there, used? What would it deliver that was worth searching for?
I have 2 systems, ( only Rock and Roll) Each is hooked up with an LA-4 Benchmark pre Amp, balanced System 1 Pass 250.8 System 2 ATI 6002 Very Happy! Benchmark gives you 30 day trial, a little over 3k with remote (each), made in NY, 5 year warranty. Rory at Benchmark, great to deal with. Always get to speak with a human. SERVICE, SERVICE Important to me. Good luck!!! |
My gear on the Livingroom system is the following (excluding preamps):
The most impressive piece in the setup is the Yamaha by a massive margin. I can improve in the other gear relatively easily, Though the other gear is very good. I would agree that the gear that the preamp is connected to is what is making this system sound good. I used to have the LA4 preamp in the mix instead of the Serene. The LA4 actually fits better in the space I have for the audio gear. However, the Serene lacks Left and Right balance which I need with the LRS+. Switching the Serene with the LA4 did not make much of a difference in the sound. The LA4 is a bit cleaner and the Serene a bit warmer. However, those difference are minor compared to the similarities. "palpable presence" = definitely. I may be interested in selling my Serene to buy another LA4 or HPA4. The LA4 can be physically fit better in my audio space. Unfortunately, I tossed the Holo shipping box since I figured I would keep the preamp forever. The LA4 and Serene are inter-changeable to me. |
@robshaw Thanks for that info! I will read up on the LA-4. I am currently using a Pass X350.5 amp. |
No, not really. Some SS preamps can sound neutral but but sound sterile and not very musical. More refined preamps still sound neutral but are more tonally balanced and sound more natural so nothing jumps out at you and you just feel like you’re listening to music rather than some version of it through a stereo system. I guess that’s the best I can describe it. The Ayre is a good example of the latter, which is why I mentioned it (plus there’s one available used), and my former Bryston BP6 is another although likely a little less warm sounding than the Ayre — but that’s just an educated guess. As far as soundstage/imaging, I think in general you need to pony up more $$$ to get to a higher level there than you do with tubes. @jc4659 is a good example in what he experienced in going from an Ayre 5xe to the considerably more expensive 1xe. One of the things that attracted me to the BP6, and why I alluded to in your prior thread, is that it produced a large, open 3D soundstage and didn’t break the bank. Hope this answers your questions. |
@jc4659 "2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional images" -- well said. @yyzsantabarbara I'm a tube preamp lover, for sure. But as was said above, sometimes it's nice to hear what the rest of the chain is doing, minus the preamp. I like swapping gear in and out and listening for differences. I'm not converging on one preamp, amp but want the chance to keep mixing things up. @robshaw |
