Solid State preamp Brands

@soix.

+1 .,,Nailed it.

(1) each OEM brand option has its own bespoke sonic signature.System synergy matters =  One size does not fit all. 

(2) Most of us are constrained by budgets in constant tension with a ceaseless urge to improve, including by upgrading . With reference to the two constant competing homilies in this audio hobby:

(a) “ You always get just what you pay for ….” and ,

(b) “Price is what you pay , Value is what you get …” …then,

Your upgrade options are governed by the thickness of your wallet, AND… a distillation of options after comparison to the pricepoint & audio performance strata of the rest of your system.

My fave as a true contender and no pretender : MOON by SIMAUDIO.

@larryi I like the sound on the warmer side but not tubey as I already have a tube pre. I want a remote, balance is an important function. I would like a selection of bith balanced and rca connections. The rest of my system consists of a Holo Spring 3 KTE dac, VPI Classic2 with Dynavector 20X2L cart, Emotiva ERC-3 I am using only as a transport. My own 12 inch 3 way speakers (12"SB, 5 inch mid and Seas Dome) SVS SB3000 sub as well as a pair of GR Research H Frame 2x12 subs.

I have a bunch of Ayre equipment, and have owned tube gear for a long time including a Joule Electra LAP 150 preamp.

For the Ayre stuff, at around $2k used - K-5xeMP. That is not their Variable Gain Tech, but it is REALLY good. Absolutely black hole quiet - zero noise.

If you want the Variable Gain Tech from Ayre, look for a used KX-5 Twenty. It is outstanding. I have an Ayre KX-R Twenty because the KX-5 Twenty was so good I figured I might as well buy the best preamp I was aware of.

If you have not heard the Ayre "Diamond Circuit" stuff, it is worth knowing what that is. It is very different, and I absolutely love it.

My Ayre KX-R Twenty:

I am a tube gear fan.  While I don’t think Ayre gear sounds particularly like tube gear, and their stuff is not tonally warm, I like their sound for some reason. 

Classe is not low-fi. It's actually great value, like most Canadians, serious, no BS, quality materials, good design