Stereo Preamplifier Reviews
While the industry and enthusiasts alike may be moving towards multi-channel audio and home theater there is still a huge market for quality two channel (stereo) preamplifiers among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. While today’s modern stereo preamplifier may not have all the bells and whistles of their AV processor counterparts they’re hardly out of touch, with many possessing features such as iPod connectivity, built-in DACs, Bluetooth capability, subwoofer outs, home theater passthrough and, in some rare occasions, even HDMI video support. Sure they may not decode Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio but if you’re looking to get the most out of your extensive LP, CD and even digital music collection, a dedicated stereo preamp is still the best way to go.
Classe CP-800 Stereo Preamp Processor Reviewed
The tests that Andrew Robinson put the Classe CP-800 stereo preamp processor through were extensive, encompassing stereo and multi-channel playback at a variety of resolutions. Read on to find out how the CP-800 fared.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Home Theater Review's 2011 Best Of Awards
For a third time, the editorial staff of Home Theater Review have examined the year's offerings in AV gear and decided what they deem to be the best in every category. Find out who is the best of the best.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research Corporation 40th Anniversary Reference Preamp Reviewed
Audio Research is a company with a long and respected history in the audiophile world. To honor that history the company created the 40th Anniversary Reference Preamp. Does the amp do Audio Research's legacy justice? Ken Taraszka investigates.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
McIntosh C500 Preamplifier Reviewed
McIntosh continues to offer beautiful, albeit expensive components, with the McIntosh C500 stereo preamplifier. But is it worth its price tag? Reviewer Brian Kahn put the C500 to the test to find out... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Classe Omega Pre-Amplifier MKIII Reviewed
Managing Editor Andrew Robinson appreciates the simplicity and quality of the Classé Omega Pre-Amplifier MKIII preamp. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the latest preamplifiers, but what is does have is something far more important.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Parasound Halo P3 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
How many near state-of-the-art preamps are priced under $800? The Halo P3 is on that short list. The P3 is musical, involving, has a built-in phono stage, and is as easy to use as a light switch. It's also one of Andrew Robinson's all-time favorite preamplifiers.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Benchmark DAC 1 PRE Reviewed (USB DAC)
With the DAC1 PRE Benchmark has established exactly what their name implies - a standard of performance to which other USB DACs are compared. The DAC1's feature set makes it perfect in a high-end desktop or serious room-sized computer-based music system.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Home Theater Review's 2010 Best of Home Theater Awards
The Editors of Home Theater Review have extensively searched, reviewed, and now chosen the best of the best home theater and audio gear, HDTVs and beyond. Click through for the winners in each category from the likes of Vizio, Samsung, Sharp and many others.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Krell Evolution 202 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
The middle of the line Evolution 202 which, in Jerry Del Colliano's opinion, is the 202 is "nothing short of breathtaking." With its 16-bit balanced resistor ladder analog volume the 202 is the preamp of your dreams for only $15,000.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research Corporation Ref 5 Preamp Reviewed
There are stereo preamplifiers and then there is the Ref 5 from Audio Research, a US based company, who knows a thing or two about making two-channel gear audiophile's crave for they've been at it since the beginning and their latest creation, the Ref 5, is their best yet.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Parasound Halo JC 2 Preamplifier Reviewed
San Francisco based Parasound and famed designer John Curl go together like peanut butter a jelly for the two have had a hugely successful partnership for years, which culminated in the creation of Parasound's lauded Halo line of products, all of which Curl had a hand in, and the hugely popular JC 2 Preamplifier reviewed here.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Home Theater Review 2009 Best of Awards
Home Theater Review Editors have searched high and low, near and far, for the best products of 2009, from HDTVs to receivers, speakers to Blu-ray players, and more. Check to read the best in LED and LCD HDTV reviews here on HomeTheaterReview.com.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Conrad Johnson CT5 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
For half the price of their flagship model, the CT5 delivers much of the same sonics. With its lush midrange and large detailed soundstage, the CT-5 delivers exceptional performance through its single-ended only outputs.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research Reference 3 Preamplifier Reviewed
Superlatives tend to abound in any review of an Audio Research component, but the Reference 3 is special even among Audio Research preamps. Astoundingly good, it can serve as the heart of a truly exceptional audio system.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Cary Audio SLP-98L Preamplifier Reviewed
The retro good looks of the Cary SLP-98L feature exposed vacuum tubes, and hand-soldered point-to-point wiring. With stunning sonics the SLP-98L rates high on the performance to price ratio. The reviewer was so impressed by the SLP-98L that they bought one.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Decware CSP2 Zen Triode Preamplifier Reviewed
Chances are you haven't heard of Decware or their tiny CSP2 Zen Preamplifier, which is a shame for it's one of the best preamps available at any price only it doesn't cost all that much-try under a grand. If you can live with only two inputs and no remote control the CSP2 is not only a bargain it's hard to beat-period.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Mark Levinson No. 326S Preamp Reviewed
Mark Levinson needs no introduction and their No 326S may just be the best preamplifier they've ever made though it may also be their last for Mark Levinson has undergone a series of changes as of late that have put the marquee in a state of flux, making the No. 326S all the more special for it may just represent the last of a dynasty.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Krell Evolution 222 Preamplifier Reviewed
Krell's only single-chassis preamplifier, the 222, makes a good argument for less is more. With a sound that even after one hour was great, and after 24 hours downright salacious, the 222 proved itself to be among the elite single-chassis preamps on earth.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Conrad-Johnson ET2 Preamplifier Reviewed
Aside from Audio Research and McIntosh there isn't a more renowned US based electronics manufacturer then Conrad Johnson. Their latest ET2 preamplfier sits in the middle of Conrad Johnson's lineup of preamps resting comfortably between their entry level Classic and CT5.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Conrad-Johnson Classic Preamplifier Reviewed
We've all been there, lusting after a manufacturer's flagship effort only to realize we, ourselves, don't have the funds necessary to obtain it. Well, Conrad Johnson has introduced their new Classic line of products, including their Classic Preamplifier that hopes to give audiophiles on a budget a taste of the high-end without the high-end price tag. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Cary Audio SLP-05 Preamplifier Reviewed
Cary Audio has been making some of the finest tube based audiophile electronics for years and their new, two chassis, SLP-05 is their best preamp to date according to Home Theater Review writer Jim Swantko who not only gushed over it he bought it.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research LS17 Preamp Reviewed
Audio Research's $6000 line-only preamp delivers consummate performance with its 104-step volume control, two 6H30 twin triode tubes and hybrid JFET/tube output stage. With nearly all the detail retrieval and openness of the REF 3, the LS17 is a surefire winner.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research LS26 Preamplifier Reviewed
Resting amidst the middle of the family tree the LS26 form Audio Research doesn't suffer from middle child syndrome for it isn't easily overlooked thanks in part to its classic good looks, large digital display, remote control operation and superb sonic character. Oh, and don't forget it's rather affordable by reference standards.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Quad II Reissue Preamp Reviewed
The Quad II Reissue Preamp is a modernized re-release of Quad's original classic, the II preamp, for those unwilling to take a leap of faith on the vintage original. Looking virtually identical and featuring many of the same parts-not to mention tube compliment, the Quad II Reissue Preamp retains all the magic that made the original so timeless.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Unison Research Mystery One Preamp Reviewed
The Unison Research Mystery One Preamplifier is one of those esoteric audiophile offerings that will excite some, confuse others and remain a mystery to most. Home Theater Review got its hands on a prototype model and put it through its paces and found it to be a unique, though polite performer.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Marantz Model 7 Reviewed
While it may look vintage and original the Model 7 from Marantz, like the Quad II Reissue, is a newly manufactured throwback designed to give audiophiles a taste of the golden age if they were unable to enjoy it the first go-round.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Beard BB 30-60 Integrated Amp Reviewed
There isn't much to say about the Beard BB 30-60 Integrated Amplifier from designer Bill Beard because frankly his products are so esoteric and exclusive they're akin to catching a glimpse of a snow leopard in the wild. With its retro styling and classic tube configuration the BB 30-60 is sure to please the audiophile lucky enough to find one in the wild.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research LS25 Preamp Reviewed
Audio Research has been making some of the finest preamplifiers the industry has ever known for years and like many top luxury car brands they've taken their best and allowed it to "trickle down" to less expensive products such as the LS25 reviewed here, possessing reference like performance at a fraction of the cost.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Preamp Reviewed
While unique in shape and style the Nu-Vista isn't unique in the way it sounds, which Home Theater Review found to be exceptional. While it's configuration may prove to be challenging in some systems there's no mistaking its audiophile soul for anything other than musical.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Marantz PM-17 Preamp Reviewed
While Marantz may be largely focused on home theater products as of late there's still an audiophile heart beating within the manufacturer's walls evident in the release of their PM-17 preamp, which captures a lot of the classic Marantz magic but in a far more modern design.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Audio Research LS8 Preamp Reviewed
The all-tube LS8 line stage from Audio Research is the brands entry-level audiophile preamp though you wouldn't know it from its superb musicality and soul, not to mention its vast array of inputs and options. While it may not be quite up to par with Audio Researches famous Ref 5 the LS8 is no slouch.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Graaf 13.5B II Preamp Review
A somewhat affordable reference leader from Italy the Graff 13.5B II is the update to their well reviewed, though rarely seen, 13.5B. Competing against the likes of Audio Research and Conrad Johnson the Graff preamp is a tube-based design with solid-state capabilities according to Home Theater Review. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 300 Preamp Reviewed
Musical Fidelity is one of those brands that seems to go in and out of fashion with American audiophiles, one minute Musical Fidelity is here and the next it isn't, still there's one Music Fidelity product line all audiophiles can agree is simply awesome and that is their Nu-Vista line, anchored by the 300 Preamp reviewed here.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Sugden Masterclass Preamp and Mono Amps Reviewed
If there were ever an esoteric combination of electronics to grace the pages of Home Theater Review the Sugden Masterclass Preamplifier and Monaural Amplifier would be it. Like spying Loch Ness or being abducted by Aliens the Sugden Masterclass is a rare audiophile combo that not many have heard or even know about. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
EAR EAR864 Preamp Reviewed
EAR makers of some pretty fine tube based audio components have released their latest preamplifier, creatively dubbed the EAR864, from creator Tim de Paravicini, one of audiophillia's heroes and more legendary European designers.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Stereo Preamplifier Wiki
1.0 What is an Audiophile Stereo Preamp?2.0 Types of Stereo Preamps
2.1 Solid State Preamps
2.2 Tube Preamps
2.3 Digital Preamps (with DACs)
1.0 What is an Audiophile Stereo Preamp?
A stereo preamp is an audio component that receives and switches audio sources, usually in the analog domain, as the listener sees fit. An audio preamp also boosts the line level signal from a source component like an iPod or CD player to a level that a power amplifier can use to power speakers.
The idea of a separate amp and preamp became popular in the 1970s among audiophiles for performance (and vanity) reasons. The idea that each component would have its own power supply was common wisdom as to why a consumer should upgrade from a receiver. Audiophiles loved the idea of mixing and matching components to create different sonic flavors in their systems.
An integrated amplifier is a component with a stereo preamp and power amp in one chassis. The main difference between an integrated amp and a receiver is the lack of some sort of tuner.
The AV preamp, derived for the home theater and surround sound from the stereo preamp, has most of the features of an AV receiver without power amplification of any kind.
2.0 Types of Stereo Preamps
2.1 Solid State preamps
The solid state stereo preamp is the most common variety, using transistors mainly to boost the signal from line level to a voltage that a power amplifier likes. The solid state stereo preamp was the first to come to market with remote controls.
2.2 Tube Preamps
Another popular variety of stereo preamp is the tube preamp, which can use various levels of vacuum tubes to boost gain in an audio system. Most tube preamps today also come with remote control. A Tube preamp requires replacing the vacuum tubes periodically or the performance will suffer greatly. A solid state preamp is a more "set it and forget it" component, which some consumers like better.
2.3 Digital Preamps (with DACs)
A relatively new category of preamp is the digital preamp, which unlike tube preamps and solid state preamps can accept a digital audio signal from products like an iPod or a CD transport. The internal digital to analog converter converts the digital signal to analog and it is boosted from there for use by the power amp.
Featured Audio-Video News
Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -
The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.
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