Since your Bryston and Meridian equipment is balanced, take a look at the Bat Preamps. They have SS and tubes. The tubes should last years...why not stick with tubes? The BAT VK50Se is one of the best preamps around, you can get them for just over 5k used. The tubes are supposed to last 5 years. I've had mine for over a year, you'd never know there are tubes inside unless you take the cover off. Very low maintenance. If you want to go new, try the VK30SE I think it lists for $4500. You paid for balanced operation with your CD player and amp, might as well get the full benefits with your preamp!
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.