Suggestions for a holographic preamp?


I'm looking to replacing my Herron Audio tube line stage with something else, not because of a problem with the sound, but for a few other reasons.

I do both digital and analog, and have a Herron Audio tube phono preamp. My power amp is an MSB S-200, which is awesome, and my speakers are Marten Parker Duos, which are wonderful for a deep, holographic soundstage that I like so much.

I listen mostly to rock and reggae, and I'm looking to keep the price under $10K US, and I'm fine with a used one as well.

I get the feeling that I will need a tube preamp to get that holographic sound, but perhaps there are some SS ones that do as good a job?

The fellow I work with at The Music Room suggested a ModWright LS-100 or a used PS Audio BHK preamp; I've researched and they both look like they'd fit the bill, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, too! 

larsman

@kofibaffour  It’s not that a good preamp is adding a 3D, holographic soundstage, ideally it just allows it to come through better if it’s on the recording.  Some preamps just do this better than others, and it’s the same with amps, speakers, etc.  For example, cheap solid state preamps don’t tend to be able to communicate a holographic soundstage as more accomplished preamps can  And yes, a good preamp will sound less holographic with a flat recording if that’s how it was recorded and if it’s truly transparent.  But I agree if a pre is artificially boosting this somehow it’s not a good thing, at least for me.  I just want to hear what’s really on the recording for better or worse although I know there are those who want a system that makes everything sound good.  To each their own. 

Audionet is often praised for it's holographic sound.  No tubes or tricks.  I have owned the BHK pre and would not recommend it. Others' experience will certainly vary.

The benchmark LA4 is totally transparent, if the depth is on the recording it is in the LA4's output.

This component is relatively inexpensive, about $3k, and can be auditioned at home for 30 days.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/collections/a-stock/products/benchmark-la4-line-amplifier

https://benchmarkmedia.com/pages/30-day-risk-free-trial

 

No harm in trying.

 

I have really enjoyed my Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamp.  They just came out with the level 3 version.  I have a level 2 and have loved the resolution versus previous preamps.  I switched from 12SN7 to NOS 6SN7 and I thought the sound improved to another level.