Stereo Preamplifier Reviews (92 Reviews)
Schiit Audio Freya Preamplifier Reviewed
[[Editor's note: as we were going to publication with this review, Schiit announced two new versions of its Freya preamp: the Freya S, which lacks this model's tube gain stage; and the Freya +, which features a new tube stage... Continue Reading
Newest Reviews
Cambridge Audio Edge NQ Preamplifier with Network Player
Anthem STR Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
Stereo Preamplifier Reviews
While many audio enthusiasts may be moving toward multichannel audio, there is still a strong market for high-quality two-channel (stereo) electronics among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. A stereo preamp provides audio switching and signal processing only, without amplification. (A stereo receiver, meanwhile, adds both amplification and AM/FM tuning.) Generally speaking, a stereo preamp won’t have all the bells and whistles found on the latest AV preamp or AV receiver, but these days you can find features like iPod connectivity, built-in DACs, Bluetooth capability, subwoofer outs, home theater pass-through, and (in some rare occasions) even HDMI video support. Check out our review archive below to read about the hottest electronics in the two-channel world.
Tubes, solid state, phono preamps and anything with a volume control is reviewed on this vast resource page.
Stereo Preamplifier Reviews Archives
Jun 12, 2019
Cambridge Audio Edge NQ Preamplifier with Network Player
When a manufacturer considers adding a new product to its lineup, there are essentially three options: replace an older product... Continue Reading
Dec 17, 2018
Anthem STR Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
The category of preamps has changed a lot in the past decade or so. On the AV side of the... Continue Reading
Dec 10, 2018
Home Theater Review's Best of 2018 Awards
Here at the end of 2018, we at HomeTheaterReview.com look back at all the products we reviewed this year and pick the best of the bunch, from budget favorites to aspirational flagship products. Continue Reading
Nov 21, 2018
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL Preamplifier
Terry London praises this new stereo preamp for its beautiful chassis, great ergonomics, rich organic timbres, and holographic imaging. Continue Reading
Mar 28, 2018
Mark Levinson № 526 Preamplifier/DAC Reviewed
Mark Levinson. The brand represents the pinnacle of automotive and home audio luxury. The company's products are meticulously engineered, and... Continue Reading
Dec 18, 2017
Home Theater Review's Best of 2017 Awards
It's that time of year again--when the HomeTheaterReview.com staff looks at all of the products we reviewed this year and picks the best of the best. We've tried to hit all the product categories and price points. We hope you enjoy our Best of 2017 list. Continue Reading
Sep 25, 2017
Audio Research LS28 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
Ben Shyman auditions the LS28 line-stage preamplifier from Audio Research Corporation's Foundation Series. This $7,500 preamp utilizes four 6H30 tubes in its analog circuit and features balanced and unbalanced connections. Continue Reading
Sep 04, 2017
Pass Labs HPA-1 Stereo Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
In this week's featured review, we explore the HPA-1 from Pass Labs. The HPA-1 is a solid-state analog stereo preamplifier and a headphone amplifier with an MSRP of $3,500. Continue Reading
Dec 21, 2016
Wadia di122 Digital Audio Decoder Reviewed
Founded nearly 20 years ago, Wadia is now part of the McIntosh Group that owns über-high-end audiophile brands such as... Continue Reading
Dec 05, 2016
Home Theater Review's Best of 2016 Awards
'Tis the season for Home Theater Review's annual best-of list, where we select the best products we've reviewed in the past 12 months. Continue Reading
May 25, 2016
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL2.0 Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
Terry London reviews the MicroZOTL2.0 from Linear Tube Audio. To say he was wowed by this tube-based preamplifier/headphone amplifier combination would be an understatement. Continue Reading
Mar 14, 2016
Rotel RC-1590 Stereo Preamplifier and RB-1590 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Greg Handy reviews the new RC-1590 stereo preamp and RB-1590 stereo amplifier from Rotel. See how the dynamic duo performs in this week's featured review. Continue Reading
Mar 09, 2016
Backert Labs Rhumba 1.1 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
Terry London reviews the Rhumba 1.1 stereo preamp from Backert Lab, which delivers much of the performance of the higher-end Rhythm 1.1 at less than half the cost. Continue Reading
Dec 30, 2015
Raven Audio Cirrus Tube Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
A couple of months ago, I attended the Chicago Audiophile Society meeting that was held at Toska Audio, located in... Continue Reading
Dec 07, 2015
Home Theater Review's Best of 2015 Awards
It's that time of year again--time for the HomeTheaterReview.com staff to pick the products that we feel represent the best of the best from all of our 2015 reviews. We've covered a variety of categories and price points. See if your faves made the list. Continue Reading
Aug 19, 2015
Audio Space Reference-2S Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
Terry London reviews the Reference-2S vacuum-tube preamp from Audio Space, which is based on the company's top-of-the-line Reference-2 that's built around a 300B tube. Continue Reading
Apr 20, 2015
Krell Illusion II Digital Stereo Preamp Reviewed
Brent Butterworth sits down with the Illusion II digital stereo preamplifier from Krell, which includes five digital inputs and a 24-bit/192-kilohertz ESS Sabre DAC. It also has four stereo analog inputs, RCA/XLR outs, and a headphone jack. Continue Reading
Jan 07, 2015
Backert Labs Rhythm 1.1 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
Terry London explores the Rhythm 1.1 stereo preamplifier from Backert Labs. This tube-based preamp includes a self-biasing circuit and easy-access tube door on the top panel that makes it very easy to experiment with different tubes. Continue Reading
Dec 10, 2014
Oppo HA-1 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
Steven Stone reviews Oppo Digital's HA-1, which combines an excellent headphone amplifier, a stereo preamp, and a digital-to-analog converter into one well-constructed $1,199 package. Continue Reading
Dec 01, 2014
Home Theater Review's Best of 2014 Awards
Home Theater Review presents its Best of 2014 Awards. We've surveyed all the products reviewed over the past year and selected the ones we think are the most compelling. Check out our list and see if your 2014 favorites made the grade. Continue Reading