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

I'll stick with DHT  with transformer volume control until the end. Units like Vinnie Rossi, Thomas Meyer, Coincident. These all highly resolving, immediate, very holographic, natural harmonic structure/timbre, will never go back to pots, resistor based volume control or any other type tube or ss. 

CJ ART88.   Used, its still a few grand over OPs budget, but . . . its a game changer.   You want holographic?    You'll get it.   

@daveyf @soix - I've been doing some serious research on Aric's gear and I think I would really like something of his. I note that on the page with the Super 6SN7 preamp, it shows a remote that does have a Mute button. That preamp would also fit into my space better as a one box unit. But I'll ask him if the other preamps can be muted like that. 

That Transcend push-pull amp looks mighty tasty for the price, too. 

Best I have heard is a DHT tube preamp with a Tortuga LDR based attenuator.