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What qualities stand out in really good solid state preamps?

Recently I posted on the Herron HL-1, asking people what they thought, how it compared, etc. It's been sold and that's ok. The search continues. 

But it raises a question I'd like to ask folks:

What attributes do you look for in a good solid state preamp?

Some qualities — quietness, durability, seem pretty obvious.

But what other criteria do you use to differentiate between solid state preamps?

How can they differ and what matters to you?

Please let me know!

P.S. As I've looked around, I've begun to learn more about some of the legendary preamps — made by companies such as Threshold, Ayre, Bryston, Pass, Apt-Holman, and others. It's good to have these names as references, but it would be even more useful if I knew what these brands conveyed, sonically. I've played with the idea of getting a newer Schiit preamp and then I wonder -- what if there's a "classic" preamp out there, used? What would it deliver that was worth searching for?

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Showing 2 responses by benanders

benanders's avatar
benanders
222 posts
 

If a listener desires influence from a preamp on the source material (the music as it was mastered), it should be proportionate to influence the kit downstream of it offers. I assume this is the “synergy” perpetually discussed - small to moderate influences of different artifacts in the playback chain syncing up to the preference of one or more listeners. Believable even if not particularly demonstrable. 😉
e.g.: If you want clear-of-artifacts like a Benchmark (preamp) but then run your ZZ Top tracks through a power amp with Shuguang tubes*, you probably keep people guessing in all other life matters, too! 😆

*that’s no dig at Shuguang tubes - in the right rig they’re great fun

benanders's avatar
benanders
222 posts
 

“Hey Siri / Alexa, where can I find a dozen + takes on audio neutrality?”

😉

Growing up where only English is taught/spoken and moving to/working where several languages are taught/spoken (and where English is a second language), it became clear the inevitable pitfall of trying to tie down meanings among people for audio kit adjectives that have been adapted from other senses (at the most proximal) or completely unrelated contexts. This seems a very fast-moving target be it for preamps or something else.

But admittedly, the notion of potentially feeding a SS preamp to a tube power amp had me curious just for how unconventional it is!

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