Recommend me a SS pre.....

heihei

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A pre-amp is the last piece of the jigsaw for my new system (Lampi GG -> ?? -> Berning Quadrature Z -> Wilson Benesch Resolution).

I've listened to a couple of passive TVCs (MFA, Bespoke) and like their simplicity and transparency.
I've listened to a couple of valve designs (ARC Ref 10, Thoress) and like their sound-staging, timbre, and flow.
To complete the picture before a final decision, it would be good to compare one or two SS pre's......what do people suggest?
 
I've been recommended to look at the Luxman C-900u and it seems like a winner.

I think you'll need something with a little meat on the bone and a great tone.

I'd love to see the other recommendations that pop up here.
 
From what I’ve heard the Nagra Classic Preamp is very good. Don’t know about system match though.


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The thing with Berning is it needs a transparent preamp - for example, if you put a valve color in it it does not sound as good. Also, ideally heihei would like a pre where the gain and impedance matches with his Lampi 242 - those valves sound all wrong with the wrong pre. But that can only be checked by trial and error.
 
I know, broken record and all, but value for the dollar in a passive/active SS pre... you would have a very hard time beating the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE, especially the Stage 2 upgrade.

Modified (because some did not like how I phrased it)...

I read professional reviews comparing this pre-amplifier directly against others costing over $20k. This is often referred to as a true Giant Killer piece of gear.
 
Randy

In that system the Stage 2 would be the starting point and I don't know if he will find a UK dealer that stocks one.
 
Randy,
Have you compared a $10-19k pre-amp to the W4S one in your system?
 
I know, broken record and all, but value for the dollar in a passive/active SS pre... you would have a very hard time beating the Wyred 4 Sound. Unless of course you are looking at a $20k budget :)...

Are you saying that the 2K WS4 would be better than anything else up to 20K? That would of course be a bit nonsensical.


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I have a Pass XP-22 on order, and even though I haven’t heard it yet, I can say it is fantastic. Everyone should buy one. :)
 
Before we get off on another one of these tangents where sound quality is equated to MSRP, magazine reviews and ad dollars spent this is what he actually said. "value for the dollar in a passive/active SS pre."
 
heihei

If you are going to run in Balanced mode to the Berning see if you can get a listen to the hybrid BHK preamp as it might give you a little of both SS and tubes. If you want to run SE then there are other options.
 
Before we get off on another one of these tangents where sound quality is equated to MSRP, magazine reviews and ad dollars spent this is what he actually said. "value for the dollar in a passive/active SS pre."

No, what was actually said is "value for the dollar in a passive/active SS pre... you would have a very hard time beating the Wyred 4 Sound. Unless of course you are looking at a $20k budget."
 
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