Top 7 Newest Preamplifiers – Rating September 2025
Audio Accuracy
25.09.2025 05:24 | ~3 minutes read
Choosing a preamplifier and its precise pairing with the rest of the path and, above all, the power amplifier is not an easy task. Especially when new models of components are constantly entering the market. Our editorial rating was compiled specifically to facilitate the choice and includes seven ultra-modern preamplifiers for every taste and budget.
7. Quad 33
Pros – excellent rhythm, good localization
Quad 33 is a preamplifier that rethinks the cult brand model of the sixties of the twentieth century. The model's arsenal now includes an ultra-precise motorized ALPS volume control, a solid low-noise power toroidal transformer and five stabilized power circuits. Add an MM/MC phono preamplifier and XLR switching - and we get an attraction of unprecedented (by today's standards in audio) generosity. The device sounds rhythmically, clearly and naturally.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — QUAD 33 Preamplifier
Model name
33 Preamplifier
Analog inputs (balanced)
1
Analog inputs (single-ended)
4
Analog outputs (balanced)
1
Analog outputs (single-ended)
2
Gain (dBu)
29
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
10000
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20000
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
106
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
0.01
Dimensions (mm)
258 x 82.9 x 165
Weight (kg)
4
Official link
6. Soulnote sa1.0
Pros – lots of details, well-coordinated sound
Soulnote sa1.0 is a very interesting device, it can work as a preamplifier, as a headphone amplifier, and even as an integrated amplifier (though in this case the output power is limited to 2 x 10 W). The absence of negative feedback, the use of a 120 VA power transformer, TO 220 transistors and ultra-fast diodes allowed for a huge reserve of preamplification – and guaranteed an exquisite presentation with lots of details (in this regard, the device clearly goes beyond its price category).
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — Soulnote sa1.0
Model name
sa1.0
Analog inputs (balanced)
1
Analog inputs (single-ended)
3
Analog outputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog outputs (single-ended)
2
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
420 х 98 х 328
Weight (kg)
6.0
Official link
5. Accuphase C-2150
Pros – perfect timbre picture
The Accuphase C-2150 preamplifier is built on a modular design with separate blocks for the left and right channels with a logic control relay and uses a high-quality analog balanced AAVA volume control (the AAVA circuit gradually regulates the signal, changing the current, and then converts the current into voltage without changing the wave resistance and leveling out noise). The power supply based on a pair of powerful transformers with four filter capacitors of 10,000 uF each is also exceptionally good. The sound of the Accuphase C-2150 resembles an open window – the sound is so pure and timbre-authentic.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — Accuphase C-2150
Model name
C-2150
Analog inputs (balanced)
3
Analog inputs (single-ended)
7
Analog outputs (balanced)
1
Analog outputs (single-ended)
3
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
465 х 150 х 405
Weight (kg)
16,9
Official link
4. McIntosh C55
Pros – muscular and dense sound
The McIntosh C55 preamplifier is a solid model with “arrows” and an equally weighty sound, muscular, sweeping and very impressive. The device uses electromagnetic input switching to minimize distortion, is equipped with a digital attenuator with 0.1 dB accuracy and has a headphone input with HXD technology on board, as well as two phono preamplifiers and a DAC. In general, “the full stuffing”.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — McIntosh C55
Model name
C55
Analog inputs (balanced)
3
Analog inputs (single-ended)
4
Analog outputs (balanced)
3
Analog outputs (single-ended)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
64
Input sensitivity (mV)
900 (XLR) + 450 (RCA)
Output voltage (V)
16 (XLR) + 8 (RCA)
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
44 000
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
22 000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
15
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
100 000
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
100
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
0.005
Dimensions (mm)
444.5 x 194 x 419
Weight (kg)
12.5
Official link
3. T+A PSD 3100 HV G3 Titan
Pros – a flurry of details, a perfectly calibrated sound canvas
The T+A PSD 3100 HV G3 Titan preamplifier weighs 26 kg and offers another “Swiss knife” solution for sound. There is a 32/384 DAC, an Ethernet streamer with Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer, and even a dedicated clock generator. As a preamp, the device also has something to surprise the listener with - an ultra-precise attenuator and a huge power reserve provide incredible resolution.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — T+A PSD 3100 HV
Model name
PSD 3100 HV
Analog inputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog inputs (single-ended)
N/A
Analog outputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog outputs (single-ended)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
0.5
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
300 000
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
108 (Amp), > 117 (DAC)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
< 0,001
Dimensions (mm)
170 x 460 x 460
Weight (kg)
26
Official link
2. Soulution 727
Pros - a three-dimensional and tangible sound canvas
The main "feature" of the Soulution 727 preamplifier is a huge frequency response, it extends to 20 MHz (!), which, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 and distortion of no more than 0.00009%, looks like a real masterpiece of engineering development. The model is based on a design with common-mode signal suppression (CMMR> 105 dB) without damaging the music signal and uses an 80-step (1 dB) volume control based on high-precision metal foil resistors with relay control.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — Soulution Audio 727
Model name
727 PRE
Analog inputs (balanced)
3
Analog inputs (single-ended)
2
Analog outputs (balanced)
2
Analog outputs (single-ended)
1
Gain (dBu)
4 (XLR) + 2 (RCA)
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
14 (XLR) + 7 (RCA)
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
4 400 000
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
4 400 000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
0.8
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
0.4
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000 000
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
>120
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
480 x 450 x 167
Weight (kg)
28
Official link
1. Aavik C-880
Pros – brilliance in every chord…
The Aavik C-880 preamplifier provides incredibly engaging sound with truly magical beauty – this is truly Ultra High-End. As usual for the company, there are enough innovations here for an encyclopedia – an ultra-quiet Resonant Mode power supply, 314 Tesla inductors and another 633 Tesla square coils, 36 “dithering circuit” noise suppressors, an active analog crossover and much more. It is also worth noting that the device is equipped with an inverted virtual GND amplifier circuit, which increases feedback, reducing the required gain to less than one – which guarantees an abundance of detail even at the quietest recording levels.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Preamplifiers — Aavik C-880
Model name
C-880
Analog inputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog inputs (single-ended)
5
Analog outputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog outputs (single-ended)
2
Gain (dBu)
15
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
7,5
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
10 000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
50
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
<0.005
Dimensions (mm)
155 х 580 х 510
Weight (kg)
35
Official link
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