Low Gain or Unity Gain Solid State Preamp

Hey All,

As the title suggest, I am looking for a Low Gain or Unity Gain Solid State Preamp to pair with my Zu Soul VIs. My Amp I a Pass XA25.

My reference tube Preamp is a CJ ET3-SE, but it has about 25db of gain which is way too much for the speakers.

I currently have a Khozmo passive in the system and am happy with the sound but want to explore something active.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

mstrshikadance03-06-2024 8:10pm

mitch2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,694 posts 03-06-2024 at 11:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Since you like the Khozmo, think about this one. Dual mono balanced (XLR) and single-ended (rca) inputs/outputs 64 step discrete resistor VC (recommend Amtrans AMRG resistors) optional opamp gain stage (recommend NewClassD opamps) selectable +3/6/9 dB gain (he would maybe adjust to unity/+3/+6 if you asked) large display remote control of all functions multiple appearance options IMO, the sound quality to price ratio is high for this preamp, even played thorough the active opamp gain stage.
mitch2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,694 posts 03-07-2024 at 08:30pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @mstrshikadance You might consider asking Arek if he could adjust the active stage in your Khozmo to unity gain. He was able to make a gain adjustment on the Hattor BigPreamp that he built for me. In addition to that, I use a Khozmo passive in my main system that is heavily upgraded except without the active stage. I am only using it for remote control of volume/balance/mute and for the display. It feeds a high quality unity gain buffer based on the SMc Audio VRE preamplifier design. I have not heard the three preamps you are looking at but I have heard good things about the Holo Auido Serene. Good luck.