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
miker123
4 posts
 

@jimbones  I didn't read the whole thread so I apologize if someone already mentioned this. I had the same problem. My phono stage needed the tubes replaced yearly and then I got a tube headphone amp and was going through tubes every 3 months. The problem was the voltage was high, which fried my tubes. I got a $20-30 voltage meter to confirm the voltage was above 120. It was not much above 123 - 126, but that was enough. I get a step-down transformer and that solved the problem. I hope this helps.

 

Mike

Post removed 
jimbones OP
255 posts
 

@miker123 thanks. I also have a PS Audio power plant buty I am not going through it. Maybe I should. Also, my tubes tend not to be a catastrophic failure but get hiss or noisy.

gochurchgo
920 posts
 

Denafrips Athena. Zero gain, dead quiet and images very well. 

skinzy's avatar
skinzy
177 posts
 

I sold my VAC Sig and now use the MSB Referece DAC as my pre. Very happy with the move.  I also went from an Aesthetix Rhea phono pre to the Pass XP-27.  I loved the Rhea but hated feeding it tubes and fighting hum.  The Pass sounds as good if not better.  I would definitely look at a Pass Labs Pre.  Good luck.

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