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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
elliottbnewcombjr
7,818 posts
 

Nothing to add regarding your list

I’ve never been happier with any preamp until I tried a full featured McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner Preamp

several are listed, some with evidence of upgrades

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=mx110z

I enjoyed mine for a few years and then sent it to Audio Classics for an overhaul.

They have one grade C-1 ready to go

https://www.audioclassics.com/detail?detail=MX110&nav=cat

You could ask them for a price to 1st replace all the RCA jacks with new gold plated, they did that to mine.

I use a Chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1 to get remote volume/mute/balance with ANY vintage preamp and it has 4 Line Level Inputs

here’s a used one, $70. used, note: light’s flashing is normal, 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406689970957?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=67480dfc-09b8-11f1-b8dc-396366666534

or, new for $85.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397503797979?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=3d1eaf56-09bb-11f1-c061-396434356230

 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

it is true the op did not specify his power amp 

if the amp takes true balanced input then i agree c-j is not the ticket, something like an audio research would be (still have my ref 3 after all these years)

erik_squires
17,558 posts
 

Your output impedance seems very restrictive, what amps are you trying to drive?   With your criteria you've ruled out almost all tube pre's and a lot of SS pres as well honestly.  Not sure most amps would benefit from that. 

dayglow
2,454 posts
 

Should we assume your power amplifier is a Benchmark?

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,488 posts
 

Yes, Zesto is also a good choice.

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