Seeking suggestions for Preamp

Accuphase C-200
For a solid state amp, it will be like a clear window into the sound.
Best

Hi Madfloyd,

I haven't heard the Doshi Alaap so I am not sure what type of sound you are going for. You might put the Cary SLP-05 on your list if you want to stay with tubes. I was auditioning an ARC LS-26 in my system with my Pass amp, and I didn't like it either. It had less body and more glare in the upper midrange than my solid state preamp. However, my buddy brought over a Cary and it mated very nicely with the Pass. Comparative to good solid state it sounded slightly colored, but not at all in a bad way.

A word of warning if you try the XP-20; if it is anything like the XP-10 it will sound withdrawn with no extension out of the box. It becomes a very different preamp as it warms up. Mine took about a week to really open up (judging by direct comparison to my existing preamp). It is very quiet when run balanced into a Pass amp. It is also proving to have excellent body for a solid state preamp. Haven't heard the XP-20 though.

Good luck,
Alan

For something different, might I suggest a passive pre? You never know, you might like it. Sonic Euphoria does it for me!

Regards,
Dan

I am second for Cary SLP-05 - I think it is exactly what you are looking for. I do not like ARC either, but SLP-05 with NOS tubes in my system sounds exactly as you describes - "something romantic and a bit bloomy, but NOT noisy and very extended".
Good luck.
Boris.