Best Balanced Solid State/Tube Preamps

Perhaps the "/" is being used in lieu of the word "or"?

Look into the Modwright SWL 9.0SE. That would seem to be a natural choice considering your digital source, although this is not a balanced design.

Tvad, why did you just sell your Modwright? It looked like a sweet set up in which you put some extra thought and money with the black gates and all. What did you find to work better?

To Kmiller5, why not an Ayre preamp? They are consistently held in high regard. If you search this forum you will find no lack of recommedations for either tube or SS balanced preamps such as Aesthetix, BAT, PASS, Sonic Frontiers, and others.

02-28-06: Mitch2
Tvad, why did you just sell your Modwright? It looked like a sweet set up in which you put some extra thought and money with the black gates and all. What did you find to work better?

Good question. It came down to a matter of flavors. I replaced the Modwright with a Lamm LL2. Each does some things very well, and the Modwright does some things better...more open, larger image, quieter. I wish I had a preamp that combined the best of both. Such a beast probably exists, but I suspect at a much higher price.

I own the Aesthetix Janus, which I love, but I've heard they have issues when used with Ayre amps, FWIW.

Yes, I meant tube OR solid state. I love the Modwright unit, but I don't think I am getting anywhere close to the full potential of the Ayre V-5Xe amp using the single ended connections. Hence, I want a balanced preamp. Ayre is certainly on the short list. I just wanted to hear other suggestions before I go audition.

Currently, I am using an Arcam AV8 pre/pro and I have to believe that I am losing a great deal not having a dedicated preamp. Let me know if you think otherwise.