In my opinion, you are right on. I'm headed to the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival this week-end specifically to listen to the Red Wine Audio SLA battery components. Aside from the Signature amps, they've just released the Isabella preamp - which includes a battery powered DAC (the other component super sensitive to power current issues).
I've been thinking of getting a Sutherland as my phono stage anyway, so if I like what I hear in the Red Wine components, I'll have a lot of expensive power cords and power conditioning to sell. ;)
Shazam
While in the RWA room, do not pass on the opportunity to listen to Vinnie' new phono stage.
Here are some information forwarded by Vinnie:
- MC / MM input with HI/LOW gain settings
- Adjustable standard load settings, plus a "custom" position for a custom installed load resistor
- Discrete, class-A, zero-feedback gain stage (similar to what we use for the Isabellina dac's output stage), followed by the same tubed output stage as the Isabella (1 pair of 6922/6DJ8s).
- SLA battery operation with SMART module and rapid charger
- Similar enclosure as the Isabella, with sliding glass window on top for easy tube rolling.
I do believe that
*lowering the floor noise
*eliminating any associated problems with power lines
*having the key components of the grid (phono,preamp,dac or cdp)
- are all important, beneficial and ....IMO and experience, sound excellent.
RWA Isabella with DAC is great.
Without trying to sound like a salesperson let me just say that Dodd as well as Isabella/Isabellina dac are one of the easiest recommendations. In fact, I am not aware of a single soul who regrat buying any of the above mentioned preamps.
My next purchase is ......you guessed it - RWA phono (however, I'm not counting out Dodd's phono yet).
I should have it in my home by the end of the year as a part of another shoot out. This time it is all about analog.
Three modified turntables (DIY Red Devil, MMF7 in bamboo double plinth and Lenco l75 replinthed and tweaked)two to three amps (Consonance modified Cyber 800, Melody 300b monos or I2A3 integrated, possibly Manley Stingray integrated, two single driver speakers based on Fostex drivers, carts, arms and phonos line-up will be announced before the actual event.
Should be fan.
Mariusz