Suggestions for a holographic preamp?


I'm looking to replacing my Herron Audio tube line stage with something else, not because of a problem with the sound, but for a few other reasons.

I do both digital and analog, and have a Herron Audio tube phono preamp. My power amp is an MSB S-200, which is awesome, and my speakers are Marten Parker Duos, which are wonderful for a deep, holographic soundstage that I like so much.

I listen mostly to rock and reggae, and I'm looking to keep the price under $10K US, and I'm fine with a used one as well.

I get the feeling that I will need a tube preamp to get that holographic sound, but perhaps there are some SS ones that do as good a job?

The fellow I work with at The Music Room suggested a ModWright LS-100 or a used PS Audio BHK preamp; I've researched and they both look like they'd fit the bill, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, too! 

larsman

I’m confused. You say you have a Herron tube linestage, but then say you’re looking for a tubed preamp - which you already have. Am I reading something wrong?

In any case, any good tube linestage/preamp should do a more-than-decent job of providing a 3D image (especially compared to solid state) through your speakers. I’ve had tubed preamps since on  and off since 1985, and they all create a more holographic image - but only if that is on the recording. They don’t - and shouldn’t -  produce a 3D image if it’s not on the recording.

Solid  state can give more focus and specificity to images, but doesn't deliver the true 3D effect the way tubed components do.

@gbmcleod - You may have misunderstood; I was looking for suggestions for something to replace my Herron linestage. Agreed that so much of that is dependent on the source.

@gbmcleod - I ended up keeping my Aric Audio Super (now Super Duper with the upgrades!) 6SN7, and I've got both my Herron Audio and my MicroZOTL Level 3 tube preamps up for sale. Enjoy your Sunday!