2. amps-preamps
  3. 191802-4635

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.

jimbones
jimbones OP
246 posts
 

Update: I just got a Tesla tube. Sounds amazing. Probably the best sound Ive ever gotten from the CJ. The only issue is when I change volume, the relays make the tube ring slightly. For now it is something I will tolerate  because it sounds so good. I now have great suggestions for SS preamps and will keep an eye out for a good deal.

clydeactor
27 posts
 

I use a vintage Pioneer SA-1000 integrated amplifier as a preamplifier using its Pre-Out.  Connected to a Reisong A10 tube amplifier for stereo, or a custom Alan Eaton mono amp, the sound is beautiful.

wspohn's avatar
wspohn
601 posts
 

I run a Premier 14 in my main system and haven't needed to change a tube in years - wonder why you are having issues?  (My Premier 11a power amp in the same system has hit a spate of Chinese tubes that haven't been as reliable as the Gold Lions, though)

Gard to suggest a solid state preamp that has the sound of a tube preamp!  Maybe a Klyne?  SK5 or 5A?

jimbones OP
246 posts
 

All. I believe my issue is that I purchased some of my tubes on ebay and some as "pulls" from well known tube suppliers. Now the tube suppliers are not at fault because when they were tested they were fine. BUT, they were not NEW. Thats not on them Its on me. I now will only purchase new tubes and see how that goes. To Be continued

sls883
249 posts
 

I believe the Philps PCC88 tube that I linked earlier (Tube Depot) is/was being sold by c-j.  If I'm not mistaken, I was told the c-j buys that particular tube.  Below is a link from a post on another forum. That was one person's experience with tube rolling with the ET-5.  From what I've read, it is harder on tubes than some of the other c-j preamps.  The tubes in my PV-14L lasted for 10+ years.  I didn't have the Premier 17LS2 long enough to burn through any tubes. 

 

I am reporting back as promised. The tube I am using is the Philips E88CC, a NOS military tube from the 1960s. Jeff at cj can supply them. They are the best tube overall that I have tried. They sound warmer overall than the EH and hold up just as well. The EH tube is good too, sharper, brighter.
The Gold Lion 6922 sounded great, perhaps the best of all, but it got noisy very quickly.

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