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Balanced Preamp recommendations up to $5,500

I am in the market for a preamp with balanced ins/outs up to $5,500. I do not have a preference for tubes or SS. I am slowly weening myself off of my Cronus Magnum, however, for the next year or so, I will use this integrated as a power amp. I can use this as a power amp as I have already checked. I am fine with new or used equipment.

I have been researching Pass Labs, McIntosh, ayre, rogue. I am open to suggestions for the brands I’ve listed as well as any I haven’t. I’m looking for great bass, no harsh or etched highs, holographic deep image and soundstage. Sound that is detailed yet fun and not analytical.

Current system

VPI Scout 1.1 TT
Lyra Delos MC
Pass Labs XP-15 Phono Pre
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum (version 1 with KT120 tubes)
ZU Audio Soul MKII Speakers
ZU Mission MKII Phono and Interconnects
ZU Event MKI Power Cables

asp307
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
I would highly recommend the PS Audio BHK Signature preamp to hit exactly the sonic priorities you outline.  I sold my VAC Ren Sig II for it, and it just plays music so absorbingly.  I am sure you can get one for less than $5.5k if you contact a dealer (and they should let you audition first before committing to buy).  I bought mine from The Audio Surgeon in Michigan after getting a home audition.  It was an easy decision for me in my system.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,625 posts
 
What about true balanced (ie, dual mono) tube HIGH BANDWIDTH preamp? Does such a thing exist on the face of the Earth?
@madavid0 Yes, but to be clear dual mono and true balanced are two different things.

Our MP-3 preamp is based on the first balanced preamp circuit ever sold to high end audio (our MP-1). It has a direct-coupled output (despite being a tube preamp) and has bandwidth to about 400KHz.
asp307 OP
159 posts
 
Thanks for all of the recs, I appreciate it. I am going to explore Pass Labs further and look to build around my XP-15 phono pre. There are a lot of great pieces out there but I really have a ton of respect for Nelson Pass and I have a high level of 'pride of ownership' with my phono pre. 
qdrone
1,039 posts
 
You might want to consider a used Nelson Pass designed Adcom 750 with the blue circuit board. Stereophile rated class A. Then send it to Musical Concepts and have it modified to Elite level for 600.00.
This is what I did,I bought the Adcom new when they came out. 2 months ago i had it modified.The Modification is extensive and really elevates the sound imaging and creates a warm delivery.

nutty
2,668 posts
 
The Ayre 5 series is very good for the around your price range. Not as good as the K1xe. And it will convert single ended signals to fully balanced when received. In addition, it is also possible to have dual mono and fully balanced simultaneously. The Levinson no. 334 amplifier for example. 

N
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