SS Pre Recommendation

Tom Evans Vibe is worth a try. Add the Pulse power supply to improve the bass even more. See reviews in HiFi+ and 6Moons.

I am currently listening to a Belles 28A preamp that is excellent.
It has the tightest fastest bass of any preamp I have tried and owned, and it also has the best soundstage and imaging I have heard, even better than a Modwright 9.0 (tubed) preamp that I also own, although the Modwright is very good the Belles is world class in these areas. I may sell the Belles (which is mint). Comes down to system matching.

I'm in the same situation, trying to find a better pre than exists in the AA Prestige SACD. I've tried the ARC Ref 3, the ASL Flora and the ModWright 9.0SE. The Prestige is in my opinion more open with more depth than any of the above. The Ref 3 was notably the least impressive in that it was truly lifeless after almost 500 hours of break in. The Connoisseur has been highly recommended as a worthy candidate. I do agree with the gentleman that the Prestige has a bit of boom in the bass.

I agree that the preamp may not be the problem as far as boomy bass goes but it can indeed add to the problem. I would suggest you look at Tube Distinctions Soul Mate Preamp. Not just because I have one for sale here on Audiogon but because it is a great match for tube amps. I have used it with Atma-Sphere M60 mono-blocks to great success. The bass is tight and it is very fast and neutral. Check out their web site by Googling Tube Distinctions and then clicking soul series. Good luck in your quest!

Hi,
Are you the buyer of the stax sra-14s of htless?
thanks a lot,
and best regards from France