Any SS preamp that sound like ref40?

[TOGA]

Hi,
I like and always happy with Ref40 overall performance. Is there anyway I can keep this sound, but without having to keep replacing tubes? That is if there is solid state preamp that sound at least just as beautiful as Ref40, I may interest.
This is to use with Gryphon Mephisto power amp. I don't like much the sound of Gryphon Pandora preamp because it lacked tube magic of ref40. How about Pass Xs pre? Levinson No.52 ? Etc..
Toga

[imprezap2]

Hi Toga,

I would say C-3800, but you already tried that one I think.

Olaf

[2fastdriving]

If you love it, why is changing tubes a big deal? I'm curious how often you are changing them... Don't they last 2000 hours?

With your gear, I'm thinking tube replacement cost isn't a big problem for you.

I love my ref5se, and although I haven't had to change tubes yet, I'm not worried about it.

[TOGA]

I am a believer in external power supply, I heard less grain. Cost of replacing tubes is not really a big deal. But the feeling of listening to worn tubes and sometimes a burst of noise coming out of speakers was not comfortable. Now it reaches 4600 hours, I don't mean to replace it immediately I am just collecting data for the future. With C3800, the non-standard XLR pin assignment made me headache when use with various source and amp. I know Accuphase made small switch near XLR for sources and power amps, but for pre amp it will be more complicate when you mix it with other components. I also posted in here about looking for best replacement tubes, so I am not giving it up yet. Toga.

[2fastdriving]

You have had more gear through your house than anyone except Ivan. I am really intrigued by your posts, toga.

You have quite a system!

[BillK]

I haven't heard the Ref 40 lately, but think the Ayre KX-R sounds better than the Ref 5 SE.

[TOGA]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

You have had more gear through your house than anyone except Ivan. I am really intrigued by your posts, toga. You have quite a system!

Thank you. That was long time ago, now I have much less time to do so. And having own a really good components makes it difficult to find something that is exciting anymore. And I am start to get tired of testing stuffs, doing that for too long. Recently I am moving my attention toward home theater upgrades. New pre/pro, new multi Ch amp, new screen are on my lists. Anyway, for now, pass Xs look promising if I really want to upgrade pre amp.. I should ask one in for home audition. At this level, I can't afford any upgrade that is turn out to be a backward sonically, just need to be very careful.Toga

[SOA]

When I was replacing my old pre, I auditioned the ARC Ref 10 and the D'Agostino Momentum Preamp. I ended up with Ref 10, but if I ever were to change, the Momentum pre would be the one. Fantastic, delicate sounding preamp.

Sven

[tima]

Originally Posted by SOA

When I was replacing my old pre, I auditioned the ARC Ref 10 and the D'Agostino Momentum Preamp. I ended up with Ref 10, but if I ever were to change, the Momentum pre would be the one. Fantastic, delicate sounding preamp.

Sven

What led you to choose the Ref 10 over the DAG preamp?

[analog brother]

valve preamps are always the best, imo.
if it has to be ss, then perhaps balabo bc-1, or soulution 720?