Which SS preamps will compete w/ tubes?

I was very apprehensive when I decided to get a tube preamp. The thought of having to open up the box, buying and experimenting with different tubes almost prevented me from taking the plunge.

Well, that was seven months ago, and I'm glad I made the jump. I bought the Blue Circle BC21 tube preamp along with the companion BC22 solid state amp and since then have been enjoying the smoothness and layered soundstaging of tubes, plus the authority and control of solid state.

For three months tube rolling was all I was doing to my system. The BC21 only takes two 6SN7 tubes so I bought various brands and vintages of NOS tubes to see what I liked best. My Kora Hermes DAC also uses two tubes, and in tandem with the Blue Circle, I've been able to tune the sound to suit my tastes.

Tennispro, I was sitting exactly where you are not too long ago, and now I can't imagine myself without a tube preamp. The musical experience is way beyond what I was able to achieve with solid state only. Conrad Johnson, BAT, Blue Circle, Rogue all make great tube pres that will match well with solid state amps. If you can audition one with your Titan, I think you'll see what we mean. Good luck.

i like the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A vey much. it is well- built , transparent but warm at the same time. tube pre-amps do not have the maintenance requirements as their power amps. the other option is to go for hybrid amps like Pathos twin towers( but i'm not sure if it will have enough juice to drive your speakers ).

good luck.

I was at one time convinced that SS amp and tubed pre-amp was the only way to go. After a few years of frustration in dealing with my counterpoint SA 5.1 I went to SS pre-amp too. I have avoided the interminable break-in period and the ultimate break-down period of tubes. How long do they really sound "Great?" To me this hobby is about listening to music not playing with tubes. I am on my second Krell pre-amp having recently upgraded to a newer model. I love the sound. All this writing is really meaningless though, you have to find the pre-amp you'll love to live with and whose shortcomings are the most tolerable.
This hobby is worth the frustration when you get to the point when you stop listening to the system and start listening to the music!!! Buy a Krell, buy a Counterpoint, or buy a Sim P-5, but get the one that makes/lets you listen to the music.

I agree with the others about tube preamp and amp. I have owned a tube preamp (CJ Premier 17 LS), tube amp (McIntosh MC2102 which use KT88s output) and SS Sim Audio W5. I spend average 1-2 hours to listen between tube and SS amp. The tube amp after 30 min it sounds much much better than SS amp if you listen 2 or more hours long it sounds almost the same. SS amp does not sound excited after hours long. Tube amp sounds not only incredible but also absolutely musical and transparent. What can you say more about tube amp?

Tubes are the way for me. they simply sound more musical! I love my CJ Premier 14 ! BTW Tubes in most preamps can last 5 years or more, depending on the design. Did you know that Many Marantz 10b Tuners still have original tubes that are almost 40 years old! There are lots of great SS preamps too. It's up to you enjoy!