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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?

128x128hilde45
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,387 posts
 

@hilde45 your question is 

What attributes do you look for in a good solid state preamp?

for me it is the following - 

  • tone - must be natural 
  • dynamic range - must be able to sound laid back and gentle but scale up to explosive forces fast, as fast as demanded by the recording 
  • low noise floor
  • Texture in the bass
  • warm and palpable mids
  • extended and sweet highs
  • nice, non-clicking silent volume control (want to be able to adjust volume without hearing any clicking or other artifacts)
  • must image well and create a realistic and colorful soundstage

I don’t care for studio monitoring matter of fact in your face presentation 

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

There is a Neurochrome 686 for sale at present in the US.

I know this Amp's capabilities very well, through being demo'd it in the UK in various build guises.

The 686 I have heard in use on a £200K System compared to the best part of a £50K Soulution Power Amp, with a Solution Pre Amp used for both Amp's demo's.

The 686 being approx' 25 x cheaper was a real contender, and I mean real contender. This is what can be had when the design for the Power Amp has a Parts List that is between £2K - £3K.

Both these Amp's used in the system and environment that was set up for the system was the best SS Power Amp's I have heard in use to date. 

terry9
2,354 posts
 

@soix   +1 

Not so secondary issues would be warrantee and serviceability. Bryston excels here, at the expense of the last iota of performance. IMO

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,897 posts
 

@hilde45 

Have you ever considered a hybrid preamp?  I just bought a PS Audio BHK Signature preamp and it has a couple of 12au7’s for the input and mosfet’s for the output. Only had it a couple of days, but I am really enjoying it so far.

bigkidz
3,404 posts
 

One of the best SS preamps I heard was the old Pass Labs two chassis preamp.  It was not like tubes but fast, separation, dynamic contrasts, deep bass, etc.  I purchased mine used years ago for $2K.  It looks good also.  The Ayre would also be my consideration.  I would consider either one of them over the older preamps you mention and what others have mentioned since we have probably heard them all at one time or another and have upgraded too many to mention..

Happy Listening.

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