Best Balanced Solid State/Tube Preamps

I wish I had a preamp that combined the best of both. Such a beast probably exists, but I suspect at a much higher price.

Tvad,
my dilemma exactly - Tim

Kmiller5:
It may be tough to audition, but try listen to a tubed Silvaweld SWC-1000 linestage:

Remote controlled volume, selector, and phase.

Nickel-alloy transformer coupled using 417A triodes.

Separate power supply uses 300B as voltage regulator and
5R4GT as rectifier for ultimate sonics and musicality.

Both fully-balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs.

High purity solid silver internal wiring with teflon insulation.

Ultra-high precision, 31-step silver contact attenuator.

Chassis handcrafted from solid aluminum with engraved lettering.

Frequency response: 5 - 100Khz (-3dB)

S/N : 95dB

This was reviewer Brad Morrical's top choice out of 9:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue21/wyetech_pearl.htm

If you can find one, let us know what you think!

I'm using an Ayre V5XE with an BAT VK-51SE and couldn't be happier. The BAT matches very well with Ayre. I previously had a Dehavilland Ultra Verve which I liked but it was not compatible with the Ayre. (could not get rid of 'hum'). If you chose another tube pre besides the BAT I would recommend demo-ing before buying.. Good luck.