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SS Preamp (HT bypass) sub $5k

I upgraded my preamp earlier this year to an Atoll pr400. This was a major upgrade from my prior Parasound P6. The Atoll added excellent detail and instrument separation throughout the frequency range. It is super engaging, yet non.fatiguing. This component has been truly revelatory. 

My issue is the soundstage is a bit forward. It's not a deal breaker by any means, but I'm curious to try something else in a similar class to see how my system responds. I realize this is just unnecessary itch scratching. 

My requirements are HT bypass input and XLR out. I don't need onboard digital or phono. Power amps are Van Alstine m225. Speakers are Spendor 2/3.

I was looking at used Ayre preamps. Does the community have any other suggestions of units I should seek out? I'm shopping used. Budget is sub $5k. Tubes aren't an option, because this has to go in a vented cabinet.

 

frl
frl OP
41 posts
 

My cabinet is well ventilated and open to the back.   I just don't think I want to put tubes in there and have to worry about turning my preamp off and warming it up.

 

 

 

 

soix
11,233 posts
 

I owned a Bryston BP6 that excelled in transparency/detail without harshness (think straight wire with gain) and threw a very open and deep 3D soundstage, which is one of the main reasons why I bought it.  This BP26 should be even better and has balanced connections, and at $2450 is half your $5k budget and is still under warranty (not that you’ll ever likely need it with Bryston).  Best of luck. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650264242-bryston-bp-26-with-mps-2-power-supply/

 

frl OP
41 posts
 

I know you say tubes aren't an option, but you should give a call to Backert Labs. Although their preamps have 2 tubes., they don't seem too worried about ventilation. And they make a great preamp with multiple outs (for your sub) and HT passthru.

Thanks peter, this looks promising!  

fastfreight
1,279 posts
 

Audionet Pre1 G3 is their entry level into magical sound!  SS at it's best.  Used for way under 5k.  Sub out.  Not exactly HT bypass, but on your way to true high end sound.   https://en.audionet.de/machines/pre-i-g3/#imageclose-590

frl OP
41 posts
 

My issue is the soundstage is a bit forward. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but I’m curious to try something else in a similar class to see how my system responds. I realize this is just unnecessary itch scratching. 

To be clear, the Atoll has a forward presentation (maybe this isn’t the right term), not bright or difficult in any way, just forward which is interesting and very engaging.  I find Spendor speakers to have a similar inclination, so I think I may have doubled down on a good thing in this system.  Or maybe I’m just not used to hearing a preamp of this level (I’m definitely not).  I think I’ll hook up my old KEFs to see how they sound with this preamp.  

I have Spendor 4/5s in another room and they also present in a similar way (which I love!), but the effect is less forward on that more mellow integrated setup.  But of course that's a different room.

 

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