[JoshK]

I guess I have a very specific request and I am not sure about all the preamps out there to know what might suit my needs. I may end up having to build my own but I don't relish the thought of solder slinging again.

Here are the *must* requirements:
1) Balanced design
2) At minimum 1 XLR input
3) XLR HT bypass (must still work when unit not on)
4) at min one RCA input
5) XLR output
6) relatively low output impedance

Nice to haves:
1) more than 1 XLR input (not counting XLR HT Bypass)
2) remote for volume and inputs including HT bypass
3) more than one output in parallel (either RCA or another XLR)
4) lowish gain (0-10db seems about right for my needs)
5) rack mounting a nice plus as well

The truth of the matter is I would have kept my Allnic L-1500 (tubed) if it weren't for the lack of HT bypass which isn't an option and a deal breaker for me.  It had the right inputs and outputs and remote otherwise.  It was super quiet as well and sounded awesome. 

Now when it comes to price, I'd really *like* to stay below $2,500 (new/used) or otherwise I can see myself just building it myself.

I think the new Pass preamps do as required, and I respect NP but the price tag is a bit too hefty IMO.  What other options are there?

[gab]

Josh - This one might be worth looking into. Safe and Sound has refurbished ones available with warranty to get the cost down close to your requirements.

http://www.parasound.com/jc2bp.php

https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/Parasound-Halo-JC2BP-2-Channel-Preamplifier-B-STOCK-FULL-WARRANTY

gab

[JoshK]

Thanks gab!  Actually I meant to mention that one as an option because I knew it fit the bill.  I am trying to canvas my options at the moment, but yes, that one would be a front runner as well. 

I think this one fits the bill as someone mentioned privately.
https://wyred4sound.com/products/pre-amps/stp-se
The question is only whether bypass still works when off/standby, but it says it can be triggered for bypass, so I think they covers my needs as my pre/pro has triggers.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Without knowing your budget, here are a few-

http://www.parasound.com/jc2bp.php

The Jc2 is a fabulous sounding preamp and competes with preamps twice its price.

https://www.passlabs.com/preamplifier/xp-12

https://www.passlabs.com/sites/default/files/Product_specs_12_22.pdf

[JackD]

Josh

The STP-SE is a great sounding preamp and should meet your needs.  As to how the HT bypass works I never tried it with mine so don't know the specifics of it's implementation but if you e-mail EJ he will get back to your or better yet just call them as they answer the phone.

[TomS]

I have the PS Audio BHK Signature, which is a very good sounding preamp. Resale units are a bit higher than budget ~$3.0k-3.5k, but it meets most or perhaps all of your criteria. Seamless operation with the PSA DS Senior remote, which controls both.

[JoshK]

That is a good option as well to consider.  +1 a single remote, but I never used the remote for the DS Sr

[Peter J]

This would seem to check all your boxes. I'm happy with mine, but there seems to be little info about it on the web. Scares some folks off, I imagine.

https://www.upscaleaudio.com/products/cary-audio-slp-03-new-in-the-box-with-real-mullard-tubes-included


Sorry man, disregard. I stupidly missed you were looking for SS preamp...duh on my part.

[poseidonsvoice]

Josh,

Perhaps this $2495 piece from Benchmark (and it’s rack mountable):

https://benchmarkmedia.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/benchmark-la4-line-amplifier

Or build what I built:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=118082.0

Or contact Tom Christiansen and use this as your base module for uber diy:
https://www.neurochrome.com/differential-preamp-8x2-r1-0/

Happy Holidays Josh!

Best,
Anand.

[JoshK]

Thanks Anand!  Not sure the Benchmark has HT bypass which is very much a requirement.  The website doesn't suggest it does. 

[skunark]

I would suggest contacting Benchmark, the manual shows an option to disable volume control on an input, which pretty much sounds like HT pass through to me.