2. amps-preamps
  3. 186507-34747

Preamp for a GaN-FET amp...

Hello everyone... I'm thinking of replacing my Belles Aria Integrated for a GaN-Fet amp. I would have preferred to purchase an integrated GaN-Fet, but they are either too expensive or of questionable quality. I therefore resign myself to opting for an amp/preamp combo. My question is the following :

Which preamp do you recommend for a GaN-Fet amp?

I haven't made my choice yet, but the only GaN-Fet amp within my reach is the Starkrimson (used). Please note that if I opt for GaN-Fet, it is to avoid tubes, so I would prefer a preamp WITHOUT tube (and not a class A).

My speakers are Altec 620A (100 db efficiency) and I mainly listen to digital sources through a Metrum DAC. I also sometimes listen to records on my Garrard 401... That's basically why I need a preamp.

Note: the Belles Aria Integrated is a superb machine with astonishing sound, but I'm looking for an amp whose midrange is as good as a tube. The Altec don't do any favors and they are a little harsh in the midrange, especially at high volume. For those who would like to understand what I am trying to express by "as good as a tube", I suggest you listen to this interview with Ralph Karsten who explains the limits of transistors much better than me.

Thank you ! 😎

128x128alaindexe
orchardaudio's avatar
orchardaudio
126 posts
 

@alaindexe

The amplifier are very reliable when used properly. You can see the instructions on my website. I have been selling these since 2018 so many amps have been in serivice for 5+ years now.

Regarding your other questions, you can plug a dac directly into the amp. As a matter of fact this is what I recommend customers do unless they need a preamp for other functions like input switching.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,198 posts
 

No mention made of what kind of sound is being sought so I am calling insufficient information to be able to make any recommendation. 

wdguru's avatar
wdguru
12 posts
 

I have the Starkrimson and it's paired with a Holo pre. I really like it and I think it' may be as neutral sounding as you can get. A friend has the same amp and is using a Black Ice pre and he love's that as well. He's driving Cornwalls. Basically I think that if you get a good quality pre you should be ok.

jtsnead's avatar
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jtsnead
217 posts
 

In you price range I would look for a Wyred4Sound STP preamp, it is passive to a point and can be upgraded, even their mPre is supposed to be good preamp. I owned one for a while, loved it, very neutral.

I just did what you are doing, I wanted to get away from tubes so I became a beta tester for the new PS Audio Stellar Gold preamp and Dac, the preamp is as good or better than the BHK that is is replacing and does not have any tube hiss.

I also sold my PSA M1200 mono amps and bought Leos dual mono Ultra top model amp, it sounds as good as the M1200's, again no tube hiss

bolong
602 posts
 

My Audion MK3's are fed by a Primaluna EVO 400 tube pre now. Very good pairing.

Since the DAC is a Holo Audio May KTE I just ordered a Holo Serene KTE to see what that's like. May be 5 or 6 weeks getting it though.

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