2. amps-preamps
  3. 191495-4635

Solid State preamp Brands

Hi, I was discussing options for a SS Pre. I have on a list CODA, AYRE, Bryston, Classe, Bal Canto, Holo etc.  I am strongly considering the Classe Delta Pre. Some of my audio buddies are saying that the Classe is not very good even to the point of saying it is low fi. REALLY?? I want to have 2 preamps in my system to alternate. The other is a CJ ET5 tube. any advice is appreciated.

jimbones
jimbones OP
261 posts
 

@larryi I like the sound on the warmer side but not tubey as I already have a tube pre. I want a remote, balance is an important function. I would like a selection of bith balanced and rca connections. The rest of my system consists of a Holo Spring 3 KTE dac, VPI Classic2 with Dynavector 20X2L cart, Emotiva ERC-3 I am using only as a transport. My own 12 inch 3 way speakers (12"SB, 5 inch mid and Seas Dome) SVS SB3000 sub as well as a pair of GR Research H Frame 2x12 subs.

jim2
168 posts
 

I have a bunch of Ayre equipment, and have owned tube gear for a long time including a Joule Electra LAP 150 preamp.

For the Ayre stuff, at around $2k used - K-5xeMP. That is not their Variable Gain Tech, but it is REALLY good. Absolutely black hole quiet - zero noise.

If you want the Variable Gain Tech from Ayre, look for a used KX-5 Twenty. It is outstanding. I have an Ayre KX-R Twenty because the KX-5 Twenty was so good I figured I might as well buy the best preamp I was aware of.

If you have not heard the Ayre "Diamond Circuit" stuff, it is worth knowing what that is. It is very different, and I absolutely love it.

My Ayre KX-R Twenty:

larryi
4,225 posts
 

I am a tube gear fan.  While I don’t think Ayre gear sounds particularly like tube gear, and their stuff is not tonally warm, I like their sound for some reason. 

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

Classe is not low-fi. It's actually great value, like most Canadians, serious, no BS, quality materials, good design

yyzsantabarbara
5,040 posts
 

Classe is pretty good gear though I wonder if they are still the same company I remember back in the day when I lived in Canada.

I have used a few SS preamps in the past, they include:

  • Benchmark LA4 + HPA4 (use this now with a Schitt Aegir amp)
  • Holo Serene KTE (use this now with a CODA #16 amp)
  • Schitt Mjolnir V3 (use this on a very cheap active speaker, but a good Class A preamp)
  • Schitt Freya+ (not as good as the Mjolnir v3)
  • BAT VK-42SE (very warm and not as detailed as LA4, Serene, Mjolnir V3)
  • Topping pre90 (crap, but it could have been good if played nice with ALL amps)
  • Bryston BP-20 (to bright)

I actually ordered a shipping box for my Benchmark HPA4. The empty box arrives tomorrow. I gave my head a shake and cancelled those plans to sell. I was going to keep the Mjolnir V3 instead. I am keeping the Serene, HPA4, and Mjolnir V3 long-term.

Only preamp that I thought was better than the HPA4 and the Serene was a passive attenuator (I think this is the term) a friend had built. Definitely better than the Serene that I like a lot on my home system.

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