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 kennyc

kennyc
1,781 posts
 

@jimbones - seems you have a curiosity itch to scratch.  I suggest you keep your CJ while trying out another preamp maybe used to mitigate costs, then you can resell at minimal loss.

I find your situation interesting.  CJ offers one of the most “musical” preamps and is usually an endgame destination.

After demoing to find the sound I like, I’ve built a SS neutral linear system targeting fidelity and dropping the noise floor. But I’m also building a second flea watt system to discover tube sonics beginning with flea watt SET amps.  I’m trying to educate myself of tube Sonics differences without major investments in tubes.

More to discover