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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
preener2
26 posts
 

Hi baldassinia,

I highly recommend Bryston!

I have gone through a few preamps over the years, and now have two BR-20's in two systems I have. When I did comparison tests, I was blown away by the BR-20's sound and silent background.

The BR-20 has had some negative reviews because of the firmware related to the streamer functions and their first generation new remote control. When I used their old remote for changing volume, the issues went away. I believe new BR-20's ship with a revised remote control to address that problem.

If you don't need or want a built in streamer and DAC, then the BP-19 would be a great choice. It's the same circuitry as the BR-20 minus the DAC and streamer.

 

Happy Listening!

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,838 posts
 

@mbarrett635 @mwood What power cord are you using with your Backert Labs preamp?

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
1,073 posts
 

@OP Any of the Pass preamps will work well for you.

mwood
85 posts
 

@hifiman5 I'm using Cullen  Avius series power cables throughout my system.

mbarrett635
45 posts
 

@hifiman5 — I have the black one, which matches the rest of my gear. 
 

@mwood — I’m using an Ice Age Audio power cord; in fact, I have their power cords, interconnects and speaker cables throughout my system. 

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