Do you need your preamp to be a linestage or full function (including phono stage)? In either scenario, I would check out McIntosh, Aesthetix and Audio Research. All three have excellent preamps (some with phono stages) and SS amps. McIntosh will be the "warmest" sounding and Audio Research the least. Good luck.
Recommend a Tube Pre & SS Amp Combo
Hello,
Having been mulling and searching this over quite a bit and have come to the following conclusion:
My next upgrade will be a tube pre amp and a ss amplifier. I love the tube sound but also like lots of power as I find my current SLI 80 gets a bit compressed as the volume gets loud. I am also trying to make it work with a HT system, which is another reason for the ss amp piece of the puzzle.
Current speakers are Dali 400mkii.
Looking for recommendations on the combo with the following "needs":
Warmer sound than lean
Lots of power
HT bypass on the pre (req.)
Prefer to stay with a single brand for both, but am open to suggestions
Prefer made in north America
Improvement over the SLI 80, if you have experience here
Thanks in advance!
Having been mulling and searching this over quite a bit and have come to the following conclusion:
My next upgrade will be a tube pre amp and a ss amplifier. I love the tube sound but also like lots of power as I find my current SLI 80 gets a bit compressed as the volume gets loud. I am also trying to make it work with a HT system, which is another reason for the ss amp piece of the puzzle.
Current speakers are Dali 400mkii.
Looking for recommendations on the combo with the following "needs":
Warmer sound than lean
Lots of power
HT bypass on the pre (req.)
Prefer to stay with a single brand for both, but am open to suggestions
Prefer made in north America
Improvement over the SLI 80, if you have experience here
Thanks in advance!