FWIW I've been happy using a DEQX HDP-5 as my preamp. It replaced a Classe CP-60.
I'm not sure how relevant that is to your question, though, as the PreMate is a somewhat older model than the HDP-5. (The PreMate Plus was introduced around the same time as the HDP-5). The PreMate is also somewhat less expensive than the HDP-5, as you are no doubt aware, but I suspect that the price difference is driven mainly by differences in features rather than sonics.
Good luck. Regards,
-- Al
I'm not sure how relevant that is to your question, though, as the PreMate is a somewhat older model than the HDP-5. (The PreMate Plus was introduced around the same time as the HDP-5). The PreMate is also somewhat less expensive than the HDP-5, as you are no doubt aware, but I suspect that the price difference is driven mainly by differences in features rather than sonics.
Good luck. Regards,
-- Al