Best Balanced Solid State/Tube Preamps

Kmiller5, you mention that you love the Modwright unit. Are you speaking about an SWL 9.0SE preamp or about your Sony 999ES? If you're talking about the SWL 9.0SE, then before you give up on the Modwright preamp, contact Dan Wright and explain which amp you're using. Provide impedance and sensitivity specs for your Ayre amp. Dan may be able to make custom adjustments to the SWL 9.0SE that will put a smile on your face.

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.

Tvad,
my dilemma exactly - Tim

Kmiller5:
It may be tough to audition, but try listen to a tubed Silvaweld SWC-1000 linestage:

Remote controlled volume, selector, and phase.

Nickel-alloy transformer coupled using 417A triodes.

Separate power supply uses 300B as voltage regulator and
5R4GT as rectifier for ultimate sonics and musicality.

Both fully-balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs.

High purity solid silver internal wiring with teflon insulation.

Ultra-high precision, 31-step silver contact attenuator.

Chassis handcrafted from solid aluminum with engraved lettering.

Frequency response: 5 - 100Khz (-3dB)

S/N : 95dB

This was reviewer Brad Morrical's top choice out of 9:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue21/wyetech_pearl.htm

If you can find one, let us know what you think!

I'm using an Ayre V5XE with an BAT VK-51SE and couldn't be happier. The BAT matches very well with Ayre. I previously had a Dehavilland Ultra Verve which I liked but it was not compatible with the Ayre. (could not get rid of 'hum'). If you chose another tube pre besides the BAT I would recommend demo-ing before buying.. Good luck.