Recommend a Used Solid State Preamp for About $5k


Please submit your recommendations for a used solid state preamp for approx $4-6K.

In your recommendations, please state the merits of the unit you suggest.

I am about to purchase a pair of Pass Labs X-600 monos and I'd like to try a solid state preamp with them.

I'm currently using an Audio Research Ref2 mk2. I'd like to do a side by side comparison with a solid state preamp in that price range to see which one I would prefer.

......the rest of my system:

Infinity Kappa 9 speakers
Audio Research Ref2 mk2 preamp
Audio Research CD2
Audio Research PH3-SE
Grado Platinum cartridge
Sansui TU-X1 tuner
Signal Cables throughout

thanks,

mitch
128x128mitch4t
Well Mitch, with the Pass(s) and the Kappas and the ARC preamp, I'd say you'll have a very synergistic system. What I meant with my comments about the SS preamp, was that your ARC preamp is already a pretty elevated piece of equipment, so if you want to make a fair comparison, you'll have to spend some money on a SS preamp. More than $4-6K IMO. But frankly, I think you're going to love the tube/SS combo.
You might want to check out Edge Electronics they have a few good preamps. Another option is the McCormack line
Nobody's mentioned Klyne. They are excellent SS preamps, and a used System 7 should be well under your budget, if you can find one.
Does anyone have any experience with the Pass Labs X.02? It is right at $5k used.