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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
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.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,496 posts
 

@dhite71 

You could be right. What was ARC thinking about when they started reusing the model number. I have no idea what they were thinking!

jbetanc
12 posts
 

 Doge 8 Clarity - Tube preamplifier with Phono Stage & Remote  

 

robshaw
350 posts
 

This was a great post. I am currently thinking about replacing, in my current set up my Benchmark LA-4 which I love, and have had for years. My current smaller system consists of just rock and roll listening. 80db to low 90 db level. Amp in the smaller room, Pass x-250.8, LA-4 pre amp, Meitner MA 1 V2 DAC, Bricasti M5 streamer, CD transport, streaming Audirvana via qobuz. Speakers that are to die, for (still paying for them) Sonus Faber Guarneri G-5 bookshelf's. 

Looking for an improvement in dimension, dynamics, and all the other sound adjectives. This system  always puts a smile on my face. I don't see how it can be bettered.  Pre amp for my liking needs to be balanced, single ended or balanced for a sub, adjustable gain (spoiled by the Benchmark) SS or Tube. Never had tube anything before, makes me nervous, but, definitely ln the running. Always looking for Nirvana, aren't we all. You guys have been great in the past in directing me. Any help or suggestions would be great. I may try it in my larger system too if successful. Thanks Robert TN   Ps don't want to really start tube rolling, Hint set it and forget it. The other examples  ($$)  above in other posts would be fine. Used would also be fine. Thanks

 

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