Neutral preamplifier recommendation $1K new

Must have: Active, remote, two XLR inputs and XLR output.

Units I’m considering.

Denafrips Hestia

Ladder Bach

Schiit Kara

Topping Pre90

Vincent Audio SA32

Looking for a unit that measures well & has no/little sound of its own. Right now I’m leaning towards the Kara.

mybuddy12-27-2024 2:13am

mybuddy OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 28 posts 12-27-2024 at 03:34pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @yyzsantabarbara If $$$ was not an issue … I agree the LA4 is ideal. Used LA4 is almost 3x the price of a new Kara. @carlsbad2 You have a recommendation?
soix Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,359 posts 12-27-2024 at 03:37pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Not all amps pair well with passive preamps, so if you’re considering that make sure your amp is compatible first.
jayctoy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,397 posts 12-27-2024 at 03:52pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Why not freya + ?
yyzsantabarbara Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,123 posts 12-27-2024 at 04:21pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Freya+ is not a neutral preamp. It is even warmer than the Class A Schitt Mjolnir v3 that I have now. I owned the Freya+ at one time.
wturkey Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 856 posts 12-28-2024 at 12:04am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Kara may be a very good choice. The three gain options are great. The input impedance is not great. Match wisely Having a preamp that uses 10% of the volume dial due to excessive gain can be quite annoying. The Kara is the opposite of that.