2. amps-preamps
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Transistor Preamp that sounds like a Tube Preamp?

You probably think I'm crazy, but with all the improvements in solid state, are there any transistor preamps that have the following characteristics I hear in tubes?

1. Fully fleshed out instrumental timbre and overtones?

1. Full, alive midrange with bloom, body and dimension?

2. The airy space and separation between instruments?

3. That realness and aliveness of tubes?

4. At a retail of around $6,000 or less?

I'm sure I'll be getting some clashing opinions on this....
saxo

Showing 3 responses by pinkus

pinkus
144 posts
 
A used Ayre K1-xe...matches your criteria to the T. To my mind, if you like a tube preamp, it is unlikely that the Capri will satisfy. In my opinion (check reviews), the Ayre might be a better fit.
pinkus
144 posts
 
Asa,

my cognicizing faculties are experiencing congnitive fading while trying to make sense of your post. Sometimes a stereo is just that...a stereo, nothing more nothing less.
pinkus
144 posts
 
Asa, think of me as the class clown. I am glad you did not feel insulted by my friendly poke at your post. It is obvious that you are very passionate about music reproduction, and have thought very deeply about how the mind experiences reproduced music.

As for a SS preamp that sounds like a tube preamp, try to listen to the Ayre KX-R if you get a chance. It does all the tube things so well (in my limited experience) that I am totally satisfied. In specific, it does the "projection" trick very well. Of course, your standards might be more exacting.

Good listening.
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