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My stereo PRE comparison

Why did I take this test?

 

I would like to separate my analogue setup a little more from the home cinema setup, i.e. separation/integration. For this I need a stereo PRE amp with home cinema passthrough.

 

An initial test with an SPL Director MKII took place earlier and forms the basis for this test.

 

I read a lot and compared online to narrow down the large field of possible test devices.
I then asked my suppliers if they would let me borrow a device for a weekend to try out.

This is how the test field was created with 2 candidates.

Accuphase C-2450 precision-Stereo-control-CENTER/ LINK (nachfolgend als 2450 bezeichnet)
Soulution 325 Pre Amplfier/ LINK (referred to below as 325)

 

How did I test?

2450

The 2450 was the first candidate to arrive and was of course immediately integrated into the system. Rose RS150 as a network streamer, with XLR out on Balanced IN on the 2450. L/R OUT from the Emotiva RMC-1 on EXT PRE IN (Balanced).
Quick check - everything works straight away and is easy to use.
I let the 2450 warm up for an hour and then begin the first listening session, followed by others over the weekend.

PRO
Sound:

Fine resolution, stage as wide as I'm used to, i.e. wider on the sides than my room.
What is immediately noticeable is the bass range, which has increased significantly. The accentuation when listening quietly is significantly increased, and the bass in particular benefits here. This is a joy and the difference is clearly audible compared to the actual state via the AV preamplifier.

The sound image per se is three-dimensional, tidy, everything where it belongs. Instruments and voices are beautifully highlighted - velvety and elegant, everything is very harmonious.
Jazz and classical sound great with the 2450, rock and electronic music sound good, but not very good. The 2450 works very well with acoustic pieces, but I found the sound to be a bit overloaded with dance music - the resolvability of the music in the room then decreases significantly.

 

Functionality:

I found a first drawback. Switching between cinema (EXT PRE) and stereo must be done on the front of the device. And upon closer inspection I also see that the 2450 does not have an ON/OFF button on the FB. This means that it can only be used to a limited extent with the Harmony. The FB is made of aluminum and also has a champagne color. It fits well in the hand and the volume can be adjusted cleanly and very finely with the FB.

visual:

The 2450 actually fits well into my system in subdued light. In daylight, the champagne design is more noticeable, but it doesn't bother me at the moment.

 

CONS (for me)

No ON/OFF via remote + No ON/OFF via Trigger IN - so automated switching via Logitech Harmony is not possible. The purist may cheer here - I thought that if you included a FB, you should at least be able to switch the device on and off with it. In addition, the device does not have a trigger OUT, so I still have to switch on the SPL AMP via Emotiva.

 

325

In the meantime, the second candidate, the 325, also arrived and took its place in the rack. Of course, curiosity is great, and with the impressions of the 2450, I immediately integrated the 325 into the system.
Unlike the 2450, the 325 does not have a dedicated home theater input. But you can define each of the 4 IN as SUR-IN. The volume is automatically set to a defined level and you can also fine-tune the level here. Switching takes place via the Remote, which has a special form typical of Soulution.

It's definitely not for everyone, but it feels good in the hand and is great to work with. As I later find out, the Soulution can also be easily operated via the Harmony FB. Had to reprogram a few functions here and there, but no problem.

 

PRO

Sound:

I listen to the same last 3-4 tracks again and realize that a completely different league is at work here. Transparency and bass are significantly better, the sound in the middle is much more vivid, details are incredibly highlighted. The highs are much more present without being harsh. In contrast, the 2450 sounded a bit soft and gentle. The 325 is neither harsh nor technical, but simply very audiophile to my ear. The voices in the middle are a little further back but with a lot of definition. Everything is just right here; Listen to music on a new level. In later comparisons, the differences are somewhat smaller; I attribute this to the shape of my ears on the day. Nevertheless, the differences between the 2450 and the 325 are confirmed - and were also heard in a second opinion.
The 325 has great clarity, the midrange presence is great and microdynamics allow you to hear every little detail.

 

Functionality:

You can actually set everything you need via FB - and when it comes to haptics, everything can be operated from the seat, as long as you read the instructions carefully and know where to set things. Of course, this applies to both devices, even if most of the functions on the 2450 can only be set on the device. In the end, that's certainly not important because you set it up once and then just listen to music.

 

CONS (für mich)

There are disciplines or music styles that sound better with the 2450. However, there are nuances because both play at a similar high level. Even in quiet passages, for example, the bass is not as pronounced as with the 2450. You almost get the impression that something is being artificially helped here. However, these are my subjective impressions.
The lack of a third XLR input is a shortcoming on the list. And little things like the red DOT matrix display that isn't blue. But of course this applies equally to both test subjects.
Otherwise, I can't find any further points of criticism for my planned use.
That's why we're coming straight to...

CONCLUSION

I decided on a weighting that is 70% sound + 30% functionality.
For me there is a clear favorite – Soulution 325
When it comes to sound, I find both to be almost the same, but I would attribute my preference to the 325 to my aversion to soft, warm sound. The 325 simply masters every discipline and gave me a lot of joy over the test period. The sound of the 325 is simply amazing.

 

For me, the 325 is clearly ahead when it comes to functionality and practical application. It can be controlled remotely and can turn any connection into a PRE. Of course, the 2450 also has its advantages and offers a few more ports, but I simply don't need them in my setup and are therefore not considered an advantage. I like the look of both devices, even if I prefer the simple shape of the 325 to the classic 80s Accuphase design.
I would like to add here that I also listened to the DAC board in the 325, quite intensively, but I'm foregoing the comparison at this point because the 2450 didn't have the DAC board in it.

 

It should also be mentioned that both devices can be expanded with a DAC and phono board.
I can use both devices for a few more days until they are picked up again. Both dealers wished not to be mentioned by name in the report - but of course a big thank you goes to both - rare enough (for me) that you can easily get devices in this price range to test.

 

As the saying goes, better is the enemy of good - and so I'm left a little dismayed but pleased with my planned budget.
Have a good time and thank you for your attention.

 

Your's Adi

 

PS: as you can see from the pictures, I bought the Soulution 325 in the meantime.

 

 

PPS: The Soulution 325 was replaced with the Soulution 330 Integrated Amplifier due to a change in the Amplifier strategy.

July 2023
Some images are the protected property of the manufacturers - they were taken from their websites.