2. amps-preamps
  3. 154000-1608

Considering going back to Solid State

I have had and Audio Research REF5se now for a few years and love it. Let me be clear, I love the sound and am not wanting to trade back to SS for anything it does wrong. But I am wanting to simplify and get away from tubes and the heat and concern for hours, etc.

So I am seeking advice in the 10-15K range on solid state pre-amps that would be comparable in performance to what I now have. Considering the Ayre 5 series, SimAudio Moon, McIntosh as a few considerations. Which brings me to you, any experience that you have had making a similar comparison would be helpful.

The rest of the 2 channel side is a Mc402 Amp and Revel speakers, how ever in the next month I plan to either buy the Sopra 2's or the Sonus Olympica Nova III, all cardas wiring in case this helps.


Thank You in advance

Theo

128x128theo
tricon_dave
95 posts
 
I did the same thing a year ago and don't miss tubes.  I had Doshi tube amps and preamp.  Before that, ARC Ref 5.  I now have an all Pass Labs system:  XP22 preamp, XP 17 phono, X260.8 amps.  First time in over 20 years there are no tubes anywhere in the system, and I'm very happy.
smoorenc's avatar
smoorenc
47 posts
 
I missed the sound of my tube preamp and traded my SS in to go back to tubes. I got tired of warming them up and the liked convenience of leaving the SS on all the time. BUT I also missed the listening sound that tubes brought. I decided I wanted to listen to music that sounded the best to me. I am glad I just went back to tubes!

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,507 posts
 
Why not SS. that sound like tubes? This is my option...
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Theo, consider the Italian Grandinote Genesi preamp. Robert Koda would be my other suggestion.
assetmgrsc
57 posts
 
Based upon what you have said, I would recommend that you read the recent review of the new Pass Labs INT-25 ($7250.00). It is an interesting article and Herb Reichert calls it his "new solid state reference."
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