2. amps-preamps
  3. 1231305241

Warmish SS pre:Rowland Synergy IIi preamp/others?

I am looking for a slightly warmish SS pre. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a pre in the $2000-$3000 used range. The best preamp I have yet tried (solid state) is a Classe CP-700, but it is out of my price range, used. I am looking at a CP-500, amongst others. What about the Rowland Synergy IIi? I couldn't find much around here. Pass X-1 was another option, but I was worried that it might be a little thin. I don't want a really thin sound, but something akin to a slight tube "ease" and musicality, but in a SS preamp. The Classe was very nice, and about the sound I was looking for. Other suggestions?

After listening to several preamps, I have come to the conclusion that a tube pre just won't work in my system. Every one I have tried has produced audible (at the listening position) hiss. This includes some very well regarded units up to $6K retail. Efficient speakers and 1v input sensitivity of the amp seems to be amplifying the background tube hiss. I listened to an I had a previous thread going, but that was before I had listened to some stuff and knew about the sound I was going for.

Amps are McCormack DNA-125 Rev. Gold, nice detailed SS sound, but still full.
chiho

Showing 1 response by fire_bottle

fire_bottle
19 posts
 
I'm a long-time tube guy, but recently tried the BAT VK42se in my system on a whim. It is an excellent piece, and definitely not thin sounding. Vocals are very present and full sounding, and instruments within the stage are well defined and have excellent dynamics. It is a quiet as a tomb. It's definietly a keeper... one of the very best linestages I've heard.

If you look long enough you should be able to find one slightly over your budget, in the $3200 - $3500 range. IMO it has all the magic of some of the best tube units I've heard with none of the noise issues. Of course it's also nice to not have to feed it expensive NOS tubes!
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