I have a friend who wants to move to a new preamp. He’s currently using a wonderful tube preamp. I’ve heard this preamp and his system for years and years, and can say that it holds up very well indeed with today’s offerings. I’m purposefully not mentioning the preamp to keep from inadvertently influencing the reader. I can say that I think his preamp is, in its own way, every bit as good as my Pass XP-20, and bringing such things to the picture that a good tube pre arguably may do better than a good SS.
Anyway, after so many years with so many tube changes my friend is looking to move to something a bit easier to care for - hopefully a SS solution, but I’m not sure what he’s looking for actually exists. So I’m here to ask for help. Here’s the list of must haves:
Solid state
No processor supported functionality
Balance control or separate volume controls for L/R
Front panel power switch
Dual simultaneous outputs
A phono stage (MM only is okay)
Single chassis with inboard power supply
Mute switch
Max price new or used $6K
Does such an animal exist?
Anyway, after so many years with so many tube changes my friend is looking to move to something a bit easier to care for - hopefully a SS solution, but I’m not sure what he’s looking for actually exists. So I’m here to ask for help. Here’s the list of must haves:
Solid state
No processor supported functionality
Balance control or separate volume controls for L/R
Front panel power switch
Dual simultaneous outputs
A phono stage (MM only is okay)
Single chassis with inboard power supply
Mute switch
Max price new or used $6K
Does such an animal exist?