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.
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
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- 46 posts total
- 46 posts total