Solid State preamp Brands

CARVER has some great amps I own 2, 500 tm  amps.,they are killers.

Hi guys.  Been using a Parasound JC2 BP in my main systems for about 5 years now.  I like it much better than Pioneer SX1250, Anthem AVM60, and Sony 5700ES acting as a preamp. Needing another good preamp for my living room system.  Does anyone have experience on how the Holo Audio Serene or Ayre  K-5xeMP compare to the JC2?  If so, any insight will be greatly appreciated.  P.S. not a tube fan.

Thank you!

@russellrcncom What makes me enamored with SS is the consistency with which it operated. Same results every time. I am looking for clarity, dynamics and a good sense of space from the new preamp. I doesnt have to be THE purest in neutrality as I am coming from (what some would say is)  a somewhat colored tube pre.

Let me toss out the Magnus Audio MP-1000 preamp. Magnus Audio is the solid state division of Canary Audio - highly respected for their tube gear. I own a Magnus Class A SS amp.

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I am looking for clarity, dynamics and a good sense of space from the new preamp.

Grounding individual components has improved my SQ in regard to clarity and transparency. A grand piano sounds like a grand piano.

@jimbones "What makes me enamored with SS is the consistency with which it operated. Same results every time. I am looking for clarity, dynamics and a good sense of space from the new preamp. I doesnt have to be THE purest in neutrality as I am coming from (what some would say is) a somewhat colored tube pre."

When comparing your tube preamp to future solid state preamps - something else to consider is the design of the power-on or active/standby power features. With all of my solid state preamps [when fired up cold, not plugged in for a while] I’ve found a good warmup [for at least a a few hours] is when the more consistent and desirable sound starts to come through, but not there yet. i.e. My older always-on Pass Forte’ F44 is pure class A, sounds better and its more engaging if its been plugged in and powered on solid for 12-24 hours. The design is similar to other Pass units, always-on, worth checking power design and if it’s designed to be left on or not.

My existing 6SN7 tube preamp is switchable with off / standby / power-on and comes in to its own around 30-45 minutes max, same with my tube amps, takes less time as compared to my Class-A solid state power amp - which takes 4x longer to get to that full warm "consistency" aspect you refer to - fwiw.

Designs with power-on/standby modes with different preamps may vary of course, and worth asking about for the reasons you mention. Best of luck.