With a plethora of preamplifiers available right now, our editorial rating becomes even more intriguing as it addresses the question. “What is the best preamplifier currently available right now?”
8. Schiit Kara
The Schiit Kara presents a complete balanced design featuring the exclusive Nexus topology, a relay volume control with 128 steps, and an integrated headphone amplifier. This model is constructed to endure, with its engineering solutions potentially setting a benchmark for pricier devices (take note of the impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 129 dB!). When it comes to sound coherence and precision, there is simply no room for any grievances with this preamplifier.
Pros: Excellent design and decent sound
Cons: At this price – nothing
Verdict: A beautifully designed model
Specifications:
Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal to noise ratio – 129 dB | THOI – 0.02% | Phono stage – no | Weight – 5 kg
7. Quad Artera Pre
The new Quad Artera Pre is not only a luxurious design, but also a signature transparent and energetic sound. The device easily makes your feet dance on their own, and the built-in phono preamplifier makes it easy to add a vinyl record player to the system – even one equipped with an MC pickup head. The powerful power supply deserves special respect, and the total weight of the model, almost eight kilograms, seems like a gift for such a price.
Pros: Transparent and rhythmic presentation
Cons: We would like more thunderous bass
Verdict: Quad Artera is very good!
Specifications:
Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal to noise ratio – 110 dB | THOI – 0.02% | Phono stage – MM/MC | Weight – 7.8 kg
6. Holo Audio Serene
The Holo Audio Serene features a fully discrete balanced design with eight stages, providing up to 130 dB of channel separation. Equipped with AudioNote Kasei and Holo Audio capacitors, Flatwire Otype transformers, Mundorf Evo Gold elements, Elna Silmic2, and Nichicon components, this set rivals preamplifiers that are ten times more expensive. The Serene by Holo Audio redefines the standards of High End audio with its luxurious and highly detailed sound signature.
Pros: Phenomenal resolution
Cons: None
Verdict: Revolutionary model
Specifications:
Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | KNI – n/a | Phono stage – no | Weight – 9 kg
5. Musical Fidelity M8s PRE
Operating in pure class A, the Musical Fidelity M8s PRE features an independent balanced circuit design, with each channel being powered by its own transformer delivering up to 350 VA of power, all within galvanically isolated circuits. Additionally, the MM/MS phono stage is included in the design. The resulting sound of this device is characterized by its exceptional dynamism and natural quality.
Pros: Armor-piercing design, natural sound
Cons: Slightly dark presentation
Verdict: Musical Fidelity grabs the stars from the sky
Specifications:
Frequency response – 5 – 100,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 118 dB | SOI – 0.05% | Phono stage – MM/MC | Weight – 17 kg
4. Michi P5 S2
Michi P5 S2 is a continuation of the highly sought-after Rotel equipment series. This preamplifier is encased in a robust chassis weighing nearly 23 kg and features an integrated phono preamplifier, a DAC equipped with two ESS SABER ES9028PRO chips that support MQA, and a Bluetooth wireless module with aptX-HD capability. With its employment of top-notch audiophile components, this device delivers exceptional performance in terms of macrodynamics and creates an immersive “wall of sound” experience.
Pros: Sweeping and muscular sound
Cons: A little lacking in sophistication
Verdict: An excellent device both in design and sound
Specifications:
Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal to noise ratio – 100 dB | THOI – 0.02% | Phono stage – MM/MC | Weight – 22.9 kg
3. AVM EVOLUTION PAS 5.3 Cellini
AVM EVOLUTION PAS 5.3 Cellini utilizes a tube output stage, employing exclusive tubes that have a remarkable lifespan of 20,000 hours. This results in an exceptional and efficient sound quality. Not only does this device excel in its primary function, but it also provides a lavish DAC that is built upon ESS9028 PRO Double-Quad chips. Additionally, it features an advanced streamer with integrated clients such as Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, QOBUZ, and supports UPnP and Roon for a comprehensive streaming experience.
Pros: Extensive streaming capabilities, spectacular sound
Cons: I would like a larger scale
Verdict: Swiss army knife for sound
Specifications:
Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | KNI – n/a | Phono stage – MM/MC | Weight – 12 kg
2. T+A PSD 3100 HV
The T+A PSD 3100 HV is yet another addition to the all-in-one series that doesn’t compromise on quality. This device excels as a preamplifier and its streaming capabilities, along with its proprietary DAC, deliver exceptional audio performance. Additionally, it offers features like an FM radio, FM-HD, DAB+, a Bluetooth unit, and the cherry on top is the T+A-Signal processor upscaler with four oversampling algorithms (FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/IIR, Bezier). Furthermore, the luxurious sound can be tailored to your personal preferences, making it a truly customizable experience.
Pros: The sound from the “open window” series
Cons: Nothing significant
Verdict: Reference apparatus
Specifications:
Frequency response – 0.5 – 300,000 Hz | Signal to noise ratio – 112 dB | THD – 0.001% | Phono stage – MM/MC | Weight – 26 kg
1.Aavik C-880
The latest Aavik C-880, weighing thirty-five kilograms, represents a groundbreaking reinvention of pre-amplification techniques. It incorporates a complex system of Tesla coils that effectively counteracts voltage surges by generating opposing surges to eliminate noise. With a total of 314 Tesla coils, 663 active square coils, and two zirconium coils, the Aavik C-880 is able to produce an impressive “black tone” effect that was previously thought to be unattainable by equipment in any price range.
Pros : Holography is in front of you
Cons: Astronomical price tag
Verdict: More than you can expect from a preamplifier
Specifications:
Frequency response – n/a | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | THD – 0.007% | Phono stage – no | Weight – 35 kg
