State of Solid State Preamplifiers
CVMAN01
Posts: 3
I have a Cary SLP-05 like many here on forum, but I'm toying with the idea of going back to a high end solid state preamp to pair with my Clayton M300's. Looking at EMM Labs Pre2, Ayre KX-R Twenty, or even ML 523/526. Normally, I'd be looking at a ARC Ref 6 or VAC Signature as next step. Not looking to reach up to a ARC Ref 10, ML 52, or BAT REX. Interested in members thoughts and comparisons on state of higher end solid state preamps. I have not done the "Ultimate Cary Upgrade", but it also is a consideration. I know the Cary is a popular unit here.
Comments
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Not sure what exactly the question is, but if SS pre's float your boat, roll with it. Many excellent ones to be had. Personally I find the older I get, the less SS appeals to me.
Is there something about the Cary's sound your not liking ?HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
The point being that many are partial to tube preamps due to the fact they can achieve very good sound relative to investment cost. In addition, one can roll various tubes to change the dynamics or character of sound relative to personal preference or other equipment coloration. Unfortunately, all tubes degrade, and good tubes are getting more difficult to find at a greater acquisition cost.
Good solid state (SS) has strived for a consistent tube-like sound in as close to original music reproduction possible. Some companies have done better jobs than others in creating solid state preamps that are musical, transparent, detailed, quiet, balanced freq, project 3-D soundstages, and accurately reproduce natural harmonics. Tube-like with no lean, dry, or analytical reproduction of encoded source information. Ayre, Pass, EMM Labs, and ML are a few of the recognized more common manufacturers that offer reference level performance in a SS design.
Do todays SS preamps disappear into the background and deliver on the promise of tube-like performance with a greater sense of bloom, more texture and realism to vocals and instruments, a richer midrange or is it still just a matter of each one’s traits? What are other members opinions or experience when comparing the latest offerings? -
i don't know if you can say solid state preamps are striving to sound like tube preamps as there are some solid state that sound like tubes and some tubes that sound like solid state so it's up to the individual to decide which sounds best to them and how much hands on you want to take to achieve the sound you like.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
The point being that many are partial to tube preamps due to the fact they can achieve very good sound relative to investment cost. In addition, one can roll various tubes to change the dynamics or character of sound relative to personal preference or other equipment coloration. Unfortunately, all tubes degrade, and good tubes are getting more difficult to find at a greater acquisition cost.
Good solid state (SS) has strived for a consistent tube-like sound in as close to original music reproduction possible. Some companies have done better jobs than others in creating solid state preamps that are musical, transparent, detailed, quiet, balanced freq, project 3-D soundstages, and accurately reproduce natural harmonics. Tube-like with no lean, dry, or analytical reproduction of encoded source information. Ayre, Pass, EMM Labs, and ML are a few of the recognized more common manufacturers that offer reference level performance in a SS design.
Do todays SS preamps disappear into the background and deliver on the promise of tube-like performance with a greater sense of bloom, more texture and realism to vocals and instruments, a richer midrange or is it still just a matter of each one’s traits? What are other members opinions or experience when comparing the latest offerings?
Decent tubes can last years, and plenty of tube guys to buy from still. I don't see that as a deterrent. Anyway.....no, I've yet to hear a SS pre that bests a tube pre in sound within close price points. Some will argue that point, but still, haven't heard one yet.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Pass Labs and Norma Audio are two I respect when it comes to ss preamps. I also respect T+A integrateds but have not heard their separates.
I also have a healthy respect for T&A.... good stuff.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
I really like some T&A too...
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I like when my women have T&A too.
I got nothing else to add here as I have only been on the SS Preamp team.Just a dude doing dude-ly things
"Temptation is the manifestation of desire which equals necessity." - Mikey081057
" I have always had a champange taste with a beer budget" - Rick88
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"Those that don't know, don't know that they don't know." - heiney9
"Audiophiles are the male equivalent of cat ladies." - Audiokarma Member -
nooshinjohn wrote: »
That's a thing of beauty, I'd love to give a Pass pre a try myself but they are just a little out of my budget....doesn't stop me from constantly looking at for sale ads tho
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Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
I have a Cary SLP-05 like many here on forum, but I'm toying with the idea of going back to a high end solid state preamp to pair with my Clayton M300's. Looking at EMM Labs Pre2, Ayre KX-R Twenty, or even ML 523/526. Normally, I'd be looking at a ARC Ref 6 or VAC Signature as next step. Not looking to reach up to a ARC Ref 10, ML 52, or BAT REX. Interested in members thoughts and comparisons on state of higher end solid state preamps. I have not done the "Ultimate Cary Upgrade", but it also is a consideration. I know the Cary is a popular unit here.
Well I just got a Cary SLP-05, and admittedly my journey is recent, but IMO the best tube pre I've owned! I'm looking to do the ultimate upgrade as well.
Following this thread as I'm interested in the opinions here. They have not done me wrong for sure!
Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
nooshinjohn wrote: »
I had that pre, but upgraded to the XP-22 when it was released. If you have the XP-20 you need to upgrade the throw away cable that connects them together. Pass replaced that crummy cable with a good cable on the XP-22.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
How do the older Pass Labs preamps(like x2.5) compare to the Pass Aleph P? I've read alot of good things about the aleph so I am curious how it stacks up, if anyone has heard both.
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The X2.5, X1, and the X0.2 are superior to the Aleph, and the XP series are a small step to a big leap above the X series. For the money, the XP20 would put up a fair fight against the Cary, and likely come out on top with a lower noise floor and faster presentation.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
Cary slp-05 is hard to beat. Damn that pre can sing.
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If you have the XP-20 you need to upgrade the throw away cable that connects them together. Pass replaced that crummy cable with a good cable on the XP-22.
Is the cable a db25? If it is do you a suggestion for a better one? -
It is a DB25.
Revelation Audio Labs CryoSilver Reference Umbilical seems to be the go-to for the upgrade. Usually right around $800 on AGon."Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip -
Yes. That's right. However, when I bought it the price was $400. After it became really popular they raised the price. Capitalism. Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I have the same db25 cable in my 2 piece Mac preamp that I'd like to try an upgrade on. I'm not quite ready to part with $800 for one though.
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One thing with the $800 version is they split the cable into two cables. One for analog and the other for digital. The one I had was a single cable. Can't say if the dual cable is better, but I was amazed at the improvement with the cable I bought. It was HUGE. Like getting a new, better piece of gear.
http://www.revelationaudiolabs.com/cables-power/index.htm
I strongly suspect this is why Pass got rid of this cable on the XP-22, and went with a better, insulated cable with fewer pins.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
From what research I've done it seems there's also different pin outs on db 25's. I'm thinking I'm going to play it safe and stay with my original cable rather than risk shorting out my favorite preamp.
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They will make the cable specific to the needs of your preamp.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
For Pass, the DB25 is wired straight thru. That is pin 1 to pin 1, etc.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
