I, too, am in the market for a preamp upgrade, something in the $3K to $5K range. I currently have a Rogue Audio RP-1 preamp, a Benchmark AHB2 power amp, and Fyne Audio F702 floor standing speakers, augmented at the lower end by a DEfinitive Technology Supercube 6000 carried over from my previous system. My DAC is a Schiit Bifrost 2, for which I just ordered the “64” upgrade. The sound is quite good, with excellent imaging, soundstage, and instrument definition, but I realize my preamp is a bit lower on the SQ scale than my power amp and speakers. I also wonder if there would be any significant benefit going to XLR connections in a balanced preamp. The Fynes are rated at 93 db efficiency, so I think I have sufficient amplifier power for our small/medium living room.
The Rogue preamps are tubed, so my thought is to stay with tubes, although I have read only very good things about the Benchmark preamps, the LA4 and HPA4. Models I am considering and will seek to audition include:
* Rogue RP-5 a step up, but not balanced —$3.5K
* Rogue RP-7 similar to the RP-5 but balanced and $5.0K
* Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 rave reviews, balanced and $4.5K
* Jeff Rowland Capri S2-SC solid state, balanced and about $5.0K
* Benchmark HPA4 solid state, balanced, matched to AHB2, $3K
Are there other models I should consider? Any suggestions would be most welcome. I’ve been out of the audio “hobby” for quite a while and am enjoying rediscovering great and listenable music, which is what it is really all about.