Warmish SS pre:Rowland Synergy IIi preamp/others?


I am looking for a slightly warmish SS pre. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a pre in the $2000-$3000 used range. The best preamp I have yet tried (solid state) is a Classe CP-700, but it is out of my price range, used. I am looking at a CP-500, amongst others. What about the Rowland Synergy IIi? I couldn't find much around here. Pass X-1 was another option, but I was worried that it might be a little thin. I don't want a really thin sound, but something akin to a slight tube "ease" and musicality, but in a SS preamp. The Classe was very nice, and about the sound I was looking for. Other suggestions?

After listening to several preamps, I have come to the conclusion that a tube pre just won't work in my system. Every one I have tried has produced audible (at the listening position) hiss. This includes some very well regarded units up to $6K retail. Efficient speakers and 1v input sensitivity of the amp seems to be amplifying the background tube hiss. I listened to an I had a previous thread going, but that was before I had listened to some stuff and knew about the sound I was going for.

Amps are McCormack DNA-125 Rev. Gold, nice detailed SS sound, but still full.
chiho

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

If you want a full bodied SS preamp, and like what you've heard from Classe, I would recommend one of the older Classe preamps. Either a Classe DR-6 or a CP-60 would fit nicely, and save you a few bucks.
I've owned many SS preamps, the JRDG Synergy II and Ayre K-1x amongst them (and many others).
IMHO, I would be choosing between an older Classe, or a Threshold (T2?) or a Coda (FET1?). I think these brands will best match with your McCormack amp's full bodied musicality.

Cheers,
John
Chiho, I haven't heard the JRDG Capri that Guido speaks of, so I can't offer any comment on it.

As to your question for me, the JRDG Synergy II and Ayre were fairly similar, very detailed, yet not harsh. I would say the older Classe's, Coda's and Threshold's were fuller and richer, if this is what you seek. These aforementioned preamps are not quite as fast or articulate as the Synergy II or Ayre, but have more body and musical weight. Which you would prefer would depend on your system and tastes.

Personally, I'm a fan of tube components, but if choosing a SS preamp, I would look for a Threshold T2 in your price range. After that I'd look for a Classe CP-60 or DR-6, and finally the Coda FET1. Yes, you could spend a lot less money on a top of the line preamp from yester-year. You could either invest your savings on upgrading the caps to modern day top of the line (V-Caps, Blackgates, etc) or just spend the savings on more music.

Cheers,
John