2. amps-preamps
  3. 191495-4635

Solid State preamp Brands

Hi, I was discussing options for a SS Pre. I have on a list CODA, AYRE, Bryston, Classe, Bal Canto, Holo etc.  I am strongly considering the Classe Delta Pre. Some of my audio buddies are saying that the Classe is not very good even to the point of saying it is low fi. REALLY?? I want to have 2 preamps in my system to alternate. The other is a CJ ET5 tube. any advice is appreciated.

jimbones
riccitone
229 posts
 

Why the SPL Elector gets such little love! Beyond me. It flies so under the radar, but is IMMENSELY GOOD. Can really scale with very high end pairing components. And not nearly as pricey as many mentioned here.

👍🏼💯

ronboco
847 posts
 

Boulder 

wspohn's avatar
wspohn
607 posts
 

I have no experience with the Classe Delta, but I like Classe in general a lot - I still run Classe DR3 VHC power amps (x3) and one DR7 preamp which was an over the top model made in small numbers in the 80s with a separate power supply that looks like a power amp and it sound very good.  I'll leave it to others with experience with the same model you are contemplating to offer opinions on that model.

helomech
1,698 posts
 

FWIW, I tried a Coda CP and it was incredibly noisy in my system. Contacted Coda and they felt it was operating normally.

I much preferred the Bel Canto Pre5 and Benchmark LA4. 

mofojo
2,303 posts
 

I've been very impressed with the Naim preamp I picked up. Much better than the tube pre I was using before and dead quiet. 

More to discover