2. amps-preamps
  3. 181962-72674

Which Line Level, Balanced Preamplifier?

I am running Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speakers and am still deciding on what amplifier I am going to use. I came from a low wattage system when I bought these speakers, and they're quite demanding, so I am looking at something powerful. Almost everything is in the running, but I know I want it to do its job and not have too much character, so I'm considering Benchmark, Parasound, Ayre, Denafrips, etc... This is a different discussion though.

I want to shift my focus to preamps because it might help me dial in my amp choice along the way. I am looking for a fun sound. Not warmth, necessarily, but an engaging, deep and wide soundstage. Definitely not clinical or dry. I have been reading and have been sold on all of these:

-Ayre K-5Xe-mp

-Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE

-Denafrips Athena

-Parasound JC2

-Benchmark HPA4 or LA4

-PS Audio *preamp coming this year* (I'd have to wait for this one, but I'm excited about it)

I would love to hear a strong, educated opinion before I spend the money. Open to other models as well. Tried to find an older model PASS, but people don't really universally love them and I've read they can be a little less engaging in the wrong system. 

Thanks in advance!

 

128x128nickrobotron
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soundhound
46 posts
 

There are a number of fine balanced linestages available.  I have had a number over the years including the ARC Ref 5SE, the Pass Labx XP20, the Wyred 4 Sound SE with Stage 2 mods, the Constellation Inspiration preamp among others.  I agree with Robshaw that the Benchmark LA4 is an excellent unit particularly if run in balanced mode for both inputs and outputs. It is tonally neutral which some may not like.I have had an LA4 for the past 3 years and have not felt that I needed to move on.  The unit is not perfect;  the inputs and outputs are closely spaced on the back of the LA4 making connections at times a chore.  However, Benchmark is a pleasure to deal with.  Overall excellent sound quality at a reasonable price.

rfagon
34 posts
 

I’m very happy with a Wyred 4 Sound STP SE 2 in a fully balanced system.

This pre has been a favourite for Srajan Ebaen at 6 Moons.com

 

rlovendale
91 posts
 

When you say you want a deep, wide soundstage that immediately makes me think of tubes. I don’t have experience with tube preamp separates, so would defer to others that have written about them.

If you want a fully balanced solid-state preamp that has some characteristics of tubes, you could add the Coda 07x FET preamplifier to your list. It does not have a sterile, clinical sound like many solid state amplifiers. I’ve enjoyed mine for the couple years I’ve used it, but have not directly compared it to other preamps in my system.

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