Almost no downside to components that use small signal tubes like preamps. I have never heard a S.S. preamp that even comes close in a number of areas to even more modestly priced tubed units. Now with amplifiers things get a bit more complicated.
Solid State Preamp to replace tube unit
I currently own a CJ tube preamp. Ive always owned tube preamps and I would like to get my first solid state preamp.I am fed up with buying expensive hard to find tubes that last 3 months or new production tubes with that not so great sound. I pine for consistency. I probably wont sell my CJ I'll just keep it. My power amps are NAD M23 for the summer and CJ Premiere 12's for the winter.
Since I dont dabble in the solid state world I am not sure what to get. I figure since this is my first SS unit 4-5k preowned??. Some brands I have considered CODA< Pass, AYRE, Classe, Bel Canto, Krell etc. Note: I have tried the Parasound and Benchmark but they didnt do it for me. I dont like anayltical sterile sound. If it is a touch warm/colored that is probably good as I am coming from a very warm CJ tube unit.
Must haves are a remote with balance control. Multiple outputs (XLR and RCA). I have an outboard phono pre. Thank you for reading and for your suggestions.
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@jimbones This not about you running tubes hard, some tube equipment runs plate voltages somewhat high, this shortens life of tube, someone mentioned CJ pre's as running tubes hard, this may be issue here. Someone else mentioned high home voltage as being issue, I had this issue at one time, 124-126v not uncommon, built bucking transformer to bring voltage down to 120V. Excessive DC offset on AC can also diminish tube life. Drawing excessive current through tubes can also be issue, not likely in a pre. |
Unfortunately the ET era (1st round) of CJ preamps had/have a reputation of going through tubes. Fortunately all but the GAT of that era only use 1 tube. And definitely the ET5 is a step up from the ET3. Good luck finding a SS pre that will better the ET 5, without spending a lot or unless you just don’t like the sound of the ET5, which would be difficult to understand. It’s that good a preamp. If I were you I’d load up on some new tubes from a reputable vendor (stay away from NOS) and just resign yourself to replacing a tube maybe once or twice a year. Or buy from CJ, which is what a friend does. He says the tubes from CJ last much longer. The EH 6922 you say you already have sounds good in that pre, are plentiful, and still not expensive. If you do decide to sell your ET 5 please PM me. I’m interested 🙃. |
Have you considered going with a Hybrid preamp? I’m using a PS Audio Signature preamp. It uses either 12au7’s or the 6dj7 family of tubes. I tried four different 12au7’s and I settled on RCA Cleartops with new Tungsol coming in a close second. With it only using two tubes it’s relatively cheap and easy to tube roll. Nowadays there are several companies making hybrids. All the best. Jim |
Hey @marco1 I dont have the EH yet, it comes tomorrow. The one I like now is the american made 6dj8. Considering it was in my SP8 in the 1980's Im not sure how much life it has left but it sounds very nice. I'll enjoy it for as long as it lasts. I do have my eye on some Tesla tubes. Not sure how they are though |
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