Tube pres have a reputation regarding bloom which is no longer their exclusive domain. SS pres CAN provide better flexibility. For instance, at a much lower price you CAN get remote control of volume, balance, input selection AND polarity control. Polarity is often miscalled "phase". Correcting phase is essential to listening enjoyment as it removes veils from the music. Also, you are more likely to get a fully balanced design, HT pass through, and of course no loss of sonics due to tube slowly losing their magic. A great choice would be PS Audio Gain Cell preamp- GCP. They don't come up often. Also heck PS website classifieds, or Audio Asylum
PRE_AMP for ATC- actives??
I am running the AC-100's for my main speakers( full 7.2 ATC for movies) would like to separate 2 channel and movies- I am using the Meridian 861 for everything now and was thinking about getting a pre just for music- I have heard that ATC has problems with tube Pre-amps??- Was thinking of the AR REF3 to soften the sound?- any rec. would be very helpful- thanks