Different sound from inputs 1 and 2 on preamp

It usually happens with Bourbon fans.
My advice is to switch to Jack Daniel's.

The Audio Research LS15 sounded different from each input, very noticeable in quick a b change. My current preamps, VAC Renaissance and Classe DR5 do not exhibit this behavior. Pick the input you like best and use it.

Try a different set of ics with your source or at your source move the left ic to the right and vice versa.

Then try your tests again.

-IMO

I know my pre (AI L-1) has different path configurations based on the inputs used.

Regards,

Usually the tape inputs have sounded the best on the Jadis preamps I've owned--probably less wire/bussbar to travel, although there is a cheap relay switch it goes through, which would seem to contradict my observations. On some preamps from Jadis (the JPL and I believe the JPS 2) the CD input has an additional tube in the circuit to supposedly soften the digital glare, that would definitely sound different than the other inputs. Otherwise, I have not noticed differences in my pre--I wonder if some inputs in your pre are more sensitive, and therefore louder at the same volume pot setting?

I agree with Marakanetz......

I've noticed it...on my Counterpoint SA-5000 the tape 1 input has one less switch in the path than the CD, tuner, etc. On other preamps I assumed it was because I used channel 1 often and burned it in, but didn't often use the others.

I never switched to Jack Daniels, still drinking Jim Beam but changing the preamp did eliminate the input differences. In my case, the differences were of soundstage and image specivity not a frequency type change.