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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
davide256's avatar
davide256
433 posts
 

Preamps are only one component in the chain. 
I suspect your “ bad actor” is a different component or possibly the combined intersection of 2. If you want useful advice vs random luck share the system… wouldn’t surprise me if the actual cause of your “dry neutral sound” was the combined result of the Benchmark with another component.

dhite71
456 posts
 

@baldassinia 

There is an Audio Research REF 6 on USAM for $6900.  For PASS, you could upgrade to an XP-20 or XP-22 with your budget.  I had a 20 for a while and it was fantastic.

@ghdprentice 

My brain initially went to the 90s also, but I am sure the OP is talking about ARC's new solid state LS-2 and LS-3.  Kind of odd they chose to use those old model numbers with a hyphen.

josepad's avatar
josepad
32 posts
 

You should look at the Parasound JC2BP designed by John Curl. It’s all analog no DAC as well no phono preamp. Output impedance rated at 60 ohms. Has L R gain controls for perfect gain matching with your amp. The preamp will recreate deep lows effortlessly as well mids and highs are  very natural, nothing clinical. Has polarity switching via remote if you have that need. Balanced in and out and very low noise. I’ve had mine for over a year now and my level of performance has never been better. 

moto_man
456 posts
 

I have an ARC REF 6 paired with a Pass Labs 250.8.  I highly recommend the REF 6, which IMHO is well above the LS28SE or the REF 5 and gives you some of that nice tube sound with the power of the Pass Labs to back it up.  Reach a little more to get that pre and you will not be disappointed.

doni
450 posts
 

+1 for the Backert, and the MicroZotl MZ2 or 3.  I've used both with a Pass XA30.8, and the synergy is excellent.

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