I'm currently running a Bryston 4B ST with a Pass Labs Aleph P and the unbalanced Meridian 506.24. It is essentially a balanced setup as I have an RCA out to XLR cable from the CD to the Pass. As for sound, the Pass totally blew away the Cary tube pre amp I had-quieter background, no hiss at idle, more gain, taller & deeper soundstage, tighter bass and more detail. In fact, I'm so impressed with Nelson Pass gear that I'm selling my Bryston, which is only 7 months old, to get either a Pass or Threshold amp. Also, I'd like to mention Stealth cables. Serguei, who runs the place, is an extremely helpful individual who not only has a tremendous product, but is quite knowledgeable. Plus his cables are very reasonable. Cost wise I paid $1,100.00 (used) for my Aleph P and had it completely reworked/retrofitted by Pass Labs for $500.00. The Meridian 506.24 (used) cost $1,000.00. Bryston was $1,700.00 (used). Stealth cables (both silver, one balanced, one RCA to XLR) were $312.00 (new). Speaker cable $13.75 per foot (new, AQ Crystal single bi-wire). The speakers I have I stole for $665.00 (retail $3,400.00) I consider myself a true budget audiophile & there are deals to be had. Full retail price of my system around $12k, but I have under half that invested. My system has great detail & a very nice soundstage with plenty of headroom & presence.
Need SS preamp that sounds like tube .
I love the tube sound, but I don't necessarily want the tubes. I currently run a CJ PV12. Does anyone have any ideas? My main problem is that auditioning is limited in my area. I am pretty confident that the SS CJ stuff will sound tube-like. But I don't even think there is a dealer in my area. Some needed information: run a Bryston 4B-ST for power, Meridian 508.24 for CD, some PMC FB-1 monitors for speakers, silver Audioquest cable all around. I would like to keep the damage under 5K. As for auditions in my area, I can probably find Bryston, Audio Research, Aragon, Meridian. Oh, I'm sure these stores are authorized dealers for a lot of stuff, but they don't carry some of the pricy brands in stock or as demo. Help would be appreciated.