Need SS preamp that sounds like tube .

Since your Bryston and Meridian equipment is balanced, take a look at the Bat Preamps. They have SS and tubes. The tubes should last years...why not stick with tubes? The BAT VK50Se is one of the best preamps around, you can get them for just over 5k used. The tubes are supposed to last 5 years. I've had mine for over a year, you'd never know there are tubes inside unless you take the cover off. Very low maintenance. If you want to go new, try the VK30SE I think it lists for $4500. You paid for balanced operation with your CD player and amp, might as well get the full benefits with your preamp!

It's my opinion that any attempts to mimmick valves in ss devices is doomed to failure.
In every instance that I am aware ,the approach has been to capture the "warmth" and "romance" by manipulation of the components frequency response characteristics by rolling the upper octaves or to slow and roll rise/response time leaving an highly altered signal shape which is,in the long haul unsatisfactory at capturing the emotion,spirit and intent of the performance.
I think it better to find a warmish SS amp with low levels of grain and capitalise on what SS does well(ex-speed,attack and rhythmic qualities).
Another approach that imo yields better results is to tailor the presentation by using a SS pre and couple it to an authoratative and dynamic valve amplifier.
To my ears,Valve pre's coupled to SS ampification(hybrid pre's as well)exhibit the worst of both worlds.
Best,
Ken

As Caterham, I also had a happy experience (yrs ago) using a fast pre coupled w/ valve powers. The set up was a DNM 6 driving EAR 519 cap modofied monos, driving Apogee Stage speakers. Felt like the DNM kept the EARs rocking.
But that was back then, with THAT equipment... you could give the alternative set-up a try, though. Otherwise, the BATs Jfrech suggests are an option (if available in yr area).
Good luck!

With the Bryston amp I would go tube pre-amp. Had a 4B and played around for a while with half a dozen pre-amps before I went SET. Tube pres and SS amps can sound very well together. Have to get the synergy right. This can be attested to by quite a few of my friends who run an assortment of systems. A good bet is join an audio club. Best thing I ever did. If you are determined to stay SS, try the BAT SS gear. It has a coloration that appears to identify with "tube like." It doesnt quite make it in my opinion, but I guess to a degree it could be system dependent. Maybe a good consideration for you would be a hybrid pre. See some Lamm gear time to time at your price point. Best of luck and let your own ears decide......

Argent, why spend any money at all? Your Conrad Johnson is a fine preamp. While it may not be the creme de la creme of preamps don't sell your PV12 short, especially with your Bryston 4B. If you feel the absolute need to change the BAT SS pre and some of the Audio Research LS pre's are nice. Good luck with your choice. PS: If you nixt the PV-12, could I have it? :-)