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SS Pre-amps that can beat an Audio Research sp16

What SS pre-amps are out there that can be considered a serious contender to replace or upgrade from an ARC sp-16.

I've had the sp16 for a few years now and like it very much. But I still have it in the back of my head that I would prefer to go all SS if possible to eliminate any tube noise issues/concerns which come up on occasion, and perhaps to enable greater frequency bandwidth, which I suspect is possible.

I am looking mainly for detail, wide bandwidth, tonal neutrality, soundstage and imaging.

Here are my leading contenders I have identified to date. I am open to feedback on these or others.

1) Benchmark (integrated preamp/DAC)
2) Bel Canto (pre-amp only or integrated with DAC)
3) McCormick
4) Others?

Thanks in advance for your input.
128x128mapman
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I really don't like to see people get rid of equipment they like. In your case, though, you seem to really know what you want.

"I am looking mainly for detail, wide bandwidth, tonal neutrality, soundstage and imaging."

For something not too expensive, I can't think of anything better than an Ayre K-5. Your above quote is exactly what it sounds like. With the Ayre, you won't miss your ARC at all. (Just to be clear, I'm comparing the Ayre to the SP-16, and nothing else. I'm not saying its better than all ARC preamps, just the one that the OP has. Also, my comments are just my opinion, and are not meant to be taken as fact.)
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Zd,

Thanks for that suggestion. I always read good things about Ayre but don't think I have ever heard.

The ARC probably would not go anywhere too soon. Whenever I upgrade or change something in my main system, it usually frees up something good to now try in my other system.

I have been using a 30 year old NAD 7020 receiver that is usually my spare as pre-amp only in my other system now for several months with very good results, but I'm sure the Arc would be a nice upgrade to that. The ARC is a really great piece that will not be easy to replace I think and I hate to part with those ever.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Personally, I don't think I could ever go back to a SS preamp, I know, I've tried. Probably the best I ever heard was a Threshold T2, which I liked better than others I had owned from the usual suspects (Krell, ML, JRDG, Ayre, Classe, etc.). However, I still have owned several tube preamps that I preferred over the T2.

That said, if I were to try another SS preamp that I would hope to satisfy me, it would be a Klyne. I say that because a Klyne 7PX5.0 was the best phono preamp that I have ever owned, and yes, I did prefer it over several tubed phono preamps that I have owned.
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