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 3 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 

@allenf1963 You are welcome. I strongly suggest either Brent Jesse  Brent Jesse Recording Supply or Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services. Both have fantastic knowledge, test equipment and in the case of Brent a 30 day warranty on nos tubes. He offers precision curve tracer matching for what i consider to be reasonable $. They will both typically have some Mc branded tubes as well.

The 225 and 240 use a very unique output transformer and in the case of the 240 amazing bandwidth and extraordinary low phase shift. Difficult, massive and certainly expensive to manufacture. The 275 is a brute ( in its day ) but imo lacks the 240 finesse. Finally… the 240 i run has been lovingly modified w HK style regulators and a bunch of Russian paper in oil capacitors… photos on my vintage system page

have fun.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 

@allenf1963 both the MC225 and MC240 are legendary for long tube life. I have some of the original small signal telefunken that were shipped in my 1961 MC240. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 

get a Music Reference…. have it gone thru by a respected tech if needed, load it w RAM low noise tubes and ahhhhh. Modjeski famous for LONG tube life n sonics for a reason…. i sold a lot of CJ gear and owned a Premier 3….. so yea, i get the attraction….

The Ayre recommendation is certainly solid gear but it’s like pure water neutral and shines in XLR usage >>>>> power amp. ditto for more modern ARC using 6H30

Ive had a KX-R in my system long term evaluation and own a REF5se

Have fun

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