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
m_j_s
42 posts
 

I would definitely suggest Pass Labs XP22

skiznfliz
18 posts
 

@jimbones Maybe I’ve been lucky with PreAmp Tubes but what is causing your tubes to go bad every 3 months? It’s been my experience with the Preamp Tubes lasting like forever or until I feel like rolling out for a change in sound. Output tubes on the other hand, I’ve had go sour on me and that’s why I switched to SS amps and keeping my preamp tube. 

jonwolfpell
386 posts
 

I would think a tube power amp would eat tubes much more quickly than a preamp? And big power tubes are generally much more expensive. If anything, I think a tube preamp combined w/ a really good solid state power amp would be the best combo if you need lots of power  due to your speakers / room size. 

rcprince
3,070 posts
 

Another vote for Ayre.  That's the solid state unit I'd consider if I decided to switch from tubes.

mattyc73
2 posts
 

I had a CJ preamp and amp for 20 years… moved to an AGD gallium nitride Tempo di Gan and Alto preamp…. Changing the Class D game… and so good I bought a second Tempo for a second system. Higher end models likely even better though I’ve not heard myself.

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