Audible Illusions L3B

$5295

A purist design based mostly on a single Russian 6H23n-EB triode per channel, the L3A distills the perfect attributes of contemporary tube sound: exact transients, an in depth presentation, and pure but non-euphonic textures. It is its insistence on the sonic fact that defines it as a real reference line preamp. The L3A’s capability to retrieve the music’s rhythmic drive and drama makes it one of the sonically persuasive line preamps available on the market. Audible Illusions’ greatest effort thus far and among the finest line preamps DO has auditioned over time at any value: audible illusions on a grand scale! DO, 259

PrimaLuna EVO 400

$5295

The EVO 400 isn’t solely PrimaLuna’s greatest line preamp providing ever, nevertheless it additionally holds its personal towards ultra-high-end competitors. It’s arduous to flee the impression that it was designed from the bottom up on an influence amplifier chassis. It options huge and complex energy provides, high-voltage regulation, unique passive elements, and tube rectification by way of a pair of 5AR4s. Miraculously, it manages to mix the virtues of contemporary tube sound with the tonal heft and timbral realism afforded by classic tube preamps. If purity of expression and tonal realism are sonic priorities, get able to embrace the EVO 400. DO, 305

Atma-Sphere MP-3

$5590 ($6500 with LOMC phono)

This no-frills tubed preamp from Atma-Sphere is a must-hear for the purist music lover. Offering a crystal-clear, clean, and concise window on the music, the MP-3’s expansiveness is an ideal match for each tube and solid-state amplification. Balanced-only operation, phono optionally available. SK, 184

Aesthetix Calypso/Calypso Signature

$6000/$8500

The all-tube Calypso delivers many of the efficiency of Aesthetix’ two-box $13,000 Callisto linestage for a few third the worth. Sonically, the Calypso is characterised by extraordinarily good dynamics and dynamic nuance. Although the treble is clean and considerably laid-back, transparency and determination are first-rate. Noise flooring is very depending on tube high quality, which has been variable. Competes with the megabuck preamps. The Signature model improves on the Calypso’s already terrific efficiency with an expanded soundstage, richer portfolio of instrumental textures, extra air, longer decays, and better-defined bass. AT discovered that the Signature model imparted a hotter solid to timbres. RH, 151; AT, 196

Pass Labs XP-12

$6100

The XP-12 line-level preamp forgoes dual-chassis extravagance however sonically you wouldn’t comprehend it. Music abounds with beautiful orchestral layering and complicated three-dimensional soundspace vistas. There’s a stage of harmonic bloom throughout the spectrum, most notably within the infusion of resonance and decay cues round strings and winds. Anchored by the precision of Wayne Colburn’s single-stage digital quantity management from the Xs line, the XP-12 produced an nearly eerie sense of music spontaneously bursting forth within the right here and now. An outright discount. NG, 286

Lamm Industries LL2.1

$8490 ($8790, deluxe model)

This all-tube linestage preamp (with tube rectification) captures 80% of the sound of price-no-object preamps for a fraction of their value. Never in-your-face analytical, the LL2.1 frames particulars organically throughout the material of the music. Treble, bass, and transparency will be improved by utilizing the best after-market tubes. DO, 198

McIntosh C53

$8500

McIntosh’s C53 preamplifier replaces an entire shelf-full of parts, rolling a state-of-the-art linestage, phono- stage, DAC, equalizer, and headphone amp right into a single elegant, albeit massive field, with no compromises in efficiency. With 16 inputs and three outputs, the C53’s connectivity is unequalled, its DAC supporting each fashionable digital format, plus an ARC HDMI enter that appropriately decodes and mixes down film and TV sources for individuals who demand first-class AV copy by way of their two-channel setups. Its two phonostages are ok to obviate the necessity for separates. In addition to all this, the C53 gives battleship development and appears that simply radiate class, style, and elegance. One of PS’ reference preamplifiers. PS, 315

Aesthetix Janus/Janus Signature

$9000/$13,500

The Janus combines Aesthetix’ Calypso linestage with a scaled-down Rhea phonostage in a single chassis. The Signature model options upgraded elements within the similar circuit. The models share quite a few qualities: velocity and element; a low noise flooring; exact rhythms; dynamics which can be nearly reference-caliber; and a laid-back perspective. The quiet background and clean highs add as much as lengthy hours of superb, fatigue-free listening. AT, 196

MBL Cadenza C11

$9200

With civilized sonics, each ethereal and open, dynamics which can be full of life, and dimensionality and imaging which can be distinctive, the C11 is a pleasure to make use of in live performance with different Cadenza gear, the place management and communication by way of Ethernet hyperlink is glitch-free. It can also be outfitted with one of the sonically clear analog quantity controls (by way of a motorized potentiometer) that we’ve come throughout. NG, 228

Mark Levinson N^o5206

$9900

Part of the extra reasonably priced (for Mark Levinson) 5000 Series, the N^o5206 sports activities a bunch of superior circuits and options. The dual-monaural sign path is direct coupled and pure Class A in operation. The audio path incorporates a single acquire stage mated to a digitally managed resistor-ladder quantity management. The N^o5206 is fitted with an integral DAC with MQA decoding and rendering and Bluetooth connectivity; the unit can deal with PCM as much as 384kHz/24-bit in addition to DSD as much as 11.2MHz. The N^o5206 even features a headphone jack with sufficient present drive to energy any ’telephones. The icing on the cake is an impressive mm/mc phonostage that includes a hybrid acquire know-how with an infrasonic filter and unusually complete cartridge-loading adjustment. The preamp is excellent with low-level passages, with decision restricted solely by the supply, not the preamplifier itself. AHC, 322

Pass Labs XP-22

$9975

The XP-22 is a big improve from the earlier mannequin on this slot. Based on new semiconductors and a brand new quantity management, the two-chassis XP-22 vaults the efficiency into one other league. The dual-mono energy provides function double-shielded toroidal transformers for even decrease noise. The output stage is extra strong, with the power to drive lengthy cable runs. The XP-22 is so clear that it improves upon the sound of operating a supply part straight into an influence amplifier—not one thing each linestage can declare. Musically significant element and determination are glorious. If the recording possesses the knowledge, the rendering of area will be dramatic and dynamics startling. AQ, 316

Yamaha C-5000

$9999

Yamaha put some coronary heart and soul into its return to the audio deep finish. While the NS-5000 audio system and GT-5000 turntable are more likely to entice many of the 5000 Series consideration, the C-5000 preamplifier deserves its personal highlight. This absolutely balanced, solid-state preamp incorporates a beautiful, absolutely discrete phonostage with a large 80dB of potential acquire. There’s a sense of a sign unimpeded. The C-5000 doesn’t require a sonic counterbalance elsewhere within the system. It additionally occurs to be one of the rewarding parts to only put your fingers on and use. An fascinating and distinctive possibility in high-end preamplifiers, particularly if a turntable is a vital a part of your system. AM, 308

The submit 2023 Editors’ Choice: Preamplifiers $5,000 – $10,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.