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
teajay
1,691 posts
 

Hey jimbones,

The  SPL Elector preamplifier is what you might really be what you are looking for. Based on price, quality of manufacturing, and most important performance. Take a look at my Stereo Times review on it for lots of information.

 

Teajay

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

Oooh, this could be a very fraught move. I can’t imagine going that direction. Consider Zesto, Audio Research or VAC. CJ is not a sound easily left behind.

marco1's avatar
marco1
519 posts
 

I don’t believe you’ll be happy switching to a SS pre.  I like you use Class D amps in the summer and tubes the rest of the year.  I actually owned Pr.12’s for a number of years with a Pr. 16.  I tried going with a SS pre a few times but always found myself back to using a tube pre.  Right now, with my tube pre in for service (I know they can be a pain sometimes) I’m using a solid state pre with a tube amp.  The change is kind of like going from a tube amp to Class D just to give you a feel for what you could expect.  Just a suggestion, if you must have a SS pre why don’t you look for a Pr. 18.  They’re not plentiful but do come up occasionally and would keep the CJ house sound. Pass labs might also get you close.  Over the years I’ve actually tried both and while both were certainly listenable, they’re not something I’d want over the long haul.

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