2. amps-preamps
  3. 191802-4635

Solid State Preamp to replace tube unit

I currently own a CJ tube preamp. Ive always owned tube preamps and I would like to get my first solid state preamp.I am fed up with buying expensive hard to find tubes that last 3 months or new production tubes with that not so great sound. I pine for consistency. I probably wont sell my CJ I'll just keep it. My power amps are NAD M23 for the summer and CJ Premiere 12's for the winter.

Since I dont dabble in the solid state world I am not sure what to get. I figure since this is my first SS unit 4-5k preowned??. Some brands I have considered CODA< Pass, AYRE, Classe, Bel Canto, Krell etc. Note: I have tried the Parasound and Benchmark but they didnt do it for me. I dont like anayltical sterile sound. If it is a touch warm/colored that is probably good as I am coming from a very warm CJ tube unit.

Must haves are a remote with balance control. Multiple outputs (XLR and RCA). I have an outboard phono pre. Thank you for reading and for your suggestions.

jimbones

Showing 1 response by curiousjim

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curiousjim
5,130 posts
 

@jimbones 

Have you considered going with a Hybrid preamp? I’m using a PS Audio Signature preamp. It uses either 12au7’s or the 6dj7 family of tubes.  I tried four different 12au7’s and I settled on RCA Cleartops with new Tungsol coming in a close second.  With it only using two tubes it’s relatively cheap and easy to tube roll.  Nowadays there are several companies making hybrids.

All the best.

Jim

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