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Preamp Upgrade Advice

I'm pretty new to higher end preamps, but looking for one to take over my current system. I had been using the preamp built into my Sonnet Morpheus DAC (which i'll be keeping for now until I upgrade to a Pasithea or something else, the preamp portion on these is functional but very basic). I have a benchmark LA4 right now, which works and is very clean, but its an almost overly dry and neutral sound. I'm looking for something with a warmer and fuller sound. Not sure if I want tubes or not, i've traditionally stuck to solid state but i've only ever tried budget tube amps before which were always too muddy and veiled for me

 

Only real criteria is it needs to have low output impedance to fit with my amps (ideally 50-100 ohms), balanced is a plus but not absolutely necessary. Doesn't need phono or a dac. If anyone has experience comparing the below i'd greatly appreciate it. Budget is $5-10k

 

Pass Labs XP-12 (current top choice, I've heard it before but not at home)

Audio Research LS-3 or LS-2

Conrad Johnson ET6/ET6SE

Rogue Audio RP-7 or RP-9

Bricasti M20 (over budget, but I could stretch for it)

Bryston BR-20 or BP-19

Naim NAC 322

 

baldassinia
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

c-j -- all day long...  

i have not tried the allnic, it seems to have a strong following as a newer make

but i have owned various c-j’s over the last 3 decades, they do what you seek, with excellence (still have an et-7 mk2)

bthrb4u
55 posts
 

Literally all of those preamps will bring your system up three notches and make you mad you didn’t do it before. No tube pre is like walking around in undies. Adding tube pre is like having five walk in closets and choosing the best thing you own, getting a manicure, haircut, and winning the lottery in one 

although if going audio research I suggest an ls-28se

yyzsantabarbara
5,567 posts
 

If I had seen this one before I made my own DIY OTL/OCL office setup ($1300) I would have bought this one. My friends prototype passive pre was amazing, but this one has better transformers. By-passing a regular preamp and not using a power supply was my favorite way to connect my gear. Wish I had seen this ad earlier.

1,000 lowered price Townshend Allegri Reference MK II Photo #5917416 - US Audio Mart

 

Edit: Townshend Audio Allegri Reference Preamplifier  (just saw this new review)

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,590 posts
 

Zesto ....

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,563 posts
 

My experience with Pass preamps is they can be a bit finicky in pairing with non-pass amps. Great sounding when paired correctly but can be a bit underwhelming otherwise.  
 

if you plan on sticking with the benchmark and/or staying with balanced gear to keep noise floor to a minimum, I would scratch off SE designs above like the Conrad Johnson.  I know you said that doesn’t matter but you would be surprised how much easier it is to keep your system quiet when everything is balanced. 
 

the list you have is excellent otherwise and a series of very good sounding devices.  I have spent time with 4 of the preamps you have on your list.  I would also scratch off Bryston. Great gear but may not deliver the improved warmth you are looking for.  As an alternative, i would add the Meitner pre which is $7500 and will deliver what you are looking for sonically with SS. Otherwise, I like Rogue.

without knowing more about your musical tastes and nuance I can’t be more specific. Full disclosure, I am a dealer for Meitner, Naim, Bricasti.  I have no affiliation with any other brand you mentioned.  

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