Stereo Preamplifier Reviews (97 Reviews)

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. Continue Reading

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. Continue Reading

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. Continue Reading

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. Continue Reading

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. Continue Reading

Croft Vitale Preamp Reviewed

We don't hear a whole lot about boutique style products from across the pond to often for here in the US we have our own icons such as Audio Research, McIntosh and Conrad Johnson. Still, for those with a more adventurous spirit and a worldview there's always Croft and their new Vitale Preamplifier. Continue Reading

Audio Research LS16 Preamp Reviewed

Audio Research is on a tare, by which I mean a streak of quality, affordable, tube amps and preamps, which now includes the LS16 preamplifier reviewed here. Born from the now infamous Ref 1 the LS16 is a whole lot of preamp goodness for not a whole lot of money as Home Theater Review found out first hand. Continue Reading

Audio Research SP16 Tube Preamp Reviewed

The SP16 from Audio Research is a bit of a departure for the Minneapolis based brand in that it lacks a lot of Audio Research's trademark visual style, possessing no chunky black rack handles or WWII era control knobs. However it does sport a fancy new remote and connection options not usually seen on a tube based preamplifier at its price. Continue Reading

NAD PP-2 Phono Preamp Reviewed

NAD is known for its ultra-high value proposition and their PP-2 phono preamp is no exception. For those looking to add an affordable yet highly respectable phono stage to their audiophile rig without Ebaying a kidney - read this review as we have your solution. Continue Reading

Jadis JPS8 Preamp and JA50 Power Amp Reviewed

Say what you will about the French they do know how to make audiophile components evident in French based manufacturer Jadis' latest offering the JPS8 two-channel preamplifier and the matching JA50 power amplifier. Both tube based designs and sporting gold chassis the Jadis combo is pure magic for those with the means to afford them. Continue Reading

Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamp Reviewed

Sometimes having a preamplifier with a built-in phono stage isn't tweaky enough or dedicated enough for a true audiophile. Sometimes your beloved turntable requires it's own preamp, which is precisely why Audio Research has designed and released the PH5. Continue Reading

Marantz SC-7S1 Preamp and MA-9S1 Amp Reviewed

Marantz was a dominant force in the high-end space all throughout the golden age of two-channel playback though in recent years they've become a dominant force among the budget home theater set. Not anymore, for with the release of their new reference line and products such as the SC-7S1 and MA-9S1 reviewed here... Continue Reading

Nagra PL-L Preamp and PMA Mono Amps Reviewed

To many well-off audiophiles Nagra is a brand without fault. To others, Nagra is a brand that is weird looking, too expensive and far to esoteric to even be considered. However, the fact remains that they make some of the finest audiophile components and we came away impressed by the PL-L and PMA combo reviewed here. Continue Reading

Quad 33 Preamp and 303 Amp Reviewed

Not a whole lot to say about Quad that hasn't already been said-they're good at what they do and have a hugely loyal fan base reticent of Apple. Whether you harbor feelings for their speakers or their electronics one thing remains the same, once you hear a Quad system it's hard to listen to anything else. Continue Reading

Musical Fidelity X-Pre Preamp Reviewed

Musical Fidelity is so prolific in terms of manufacturing that it can be tough to keep up at times. Their latest line of audiophile goodness carries the moniker of X, which unlike traditional components is far more compact, not to mention affordable. The X-Preamp reviewed here is the gateway drug if you will of the Musical Fidelity brand. Continue Reading

darTZeel NHB-18NS Preamplifier Reviewed

Not a whole lot of "noise" coming out of Switzerland in terms of audiophile products-unless of course you're ignoring the darTZeel NHB-18NS Preamplfier, which Home Theater Review is not. While it may be a bit on the esoteric side-okay it's waaaay esoteric-its unique sound is truly captivating. Continue Reading

EAR-Yoshino Stereo Preamp Reviewed

What do you really need in a preamplifier? A few inputs, an output (or two) and a stepped volume control. Everything else is just garnish and as any die-hard audiophile knows, garnish can quickly ruin any good audiophile system. Well the folks over at EAR have the solution, the Yoshino Stereo Preamp, all of the performance you crave with none of the additives. Continue Reading

Sutherland Director and Ph.D preamp and phono stage

There is minimal and then there is the Director solid-state preamp from Sutherland. Possessing only one dial on its fa�ade the Director is an all out assult on the Zen principle. Or as Det. Friday said in the classic TV show Dragnet, "just the facts ma'am." Continue Reading

McIntosh Laboratories C-220 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed

With its smooth and accurate midrange this $4000 tube preamp features both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. Although its top end is slightly rolled off in comparison with other McIntosh preamps, its flexibility and superb build quality make it a winner. Continue Reading

Z-Systems RDP-1 Room Correction Device and EQ Reviewed

The digital-onlyRDP-1 is both a preamp and an equalizer. With 99 presets, it can be used to improve trashy recordings more than room correction. Transparent, the RDP-1 is very useful in simplifying an all- digital music system, while maximizing its sonic quality. Continue Reading