Preamp advice

I currently have an electrocompaniet ec 4.7 preamp.

Iam looking to upgrade to a more holographic preamp without breaking the bank.

Speakers: Wilson Sasha, Martin Logan SL3, Magnepan 3.5R

Amp: Krell KSA 200S

Source: Consonence Droplet Vinyl with Lyra Kleos SL

Ideally something used.

Happy to hear recommendations.

kunalraiker04-12-2026 12:02am

mckinneymike Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 128 posts 04-15-2026 at 03:41pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I would consider the ARC Ref 3, Ref 5SE vs the LS 28 myself. They are more fully fleshed out sounding to my ears. As @ghdprentice says the preamp is the soul of a system to me.
ghdprentice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,526 posts 04-16-2026 at 12:20am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete OP, absolutely, drop back in model number...time as far as needed to hit your max budget. I had a used Audio Research preamp that I bought in 1979 that I had for nearly twenty years.
joeycastillo Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 277 posts 04-16-2026 at 04:59pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Audio Research!!
jc4659 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 620 posts 04-16-2026 at 05:42pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @lewm Is the Raven preamplifier from Spatial Labs an example of what you are asking about?
kunalraiker OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 61 posts 04-16-2026 at 07:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks everyone, I will chase the audio research given the overwhelmingly strong recommendation to get it.