2. amps-preamps
  3. 192500-16355

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.

mybuddy
mybuddy OP
24 posts
 

@blackbag20 The DDP-1 has a built in DAC. Also it’s 10 years old & would be difficult to get repaired.

blackbag20
480 posts
 

I would probably try Vincent but Kara gets good press ...

Good luck!

robshaw
261 posts
 

I own 2 LA-4 pre amps. Love them. One for a much more expensive system. Both run in a Balanced mode. Great company, "RORY" great to deal with a very knowledgeable, 30 day trial period. HPA-4 I believe is their upgraded version of the LA-4 with a headphone amp that is highly regarded. Robert TN

mybuddy OP
24 posts
 

@robshaw  Unfortunately the Benchmark LA4 is way above my budget, even used. The preamps listed above are ~$1K NEW.

yyzsantabarbara
4,919 posts
 

 HPA-4 I believe is their upgraded version of the LA-4 with a headphone amp that is highly regarded.

The HPA4 and the LA4 sound the same on 2-channel. I have the HPA4 and owned the LA4.

@mybuddy I spent a bit of time at the SBAF web site (a very interesting audio site) looking into the Schitt gear. Seems the Schitt Mjolnir v3 preamp (no remote) that I also own is a huge hit over there. It is my 3rd best preamp, but folks seem to love it.

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