Pre-amps for Leben CS-600x

@lak i really like the Bottlehead preamp. Maybe I should stay with it. It was relatively cheap and bested the preamp section of the Leben. But as an audiophile the little voice always starts asking questions. 

@jasonbourne71 thank you. I’ve had no exposure to ML, but you’ve got me curious! What do you like about ML?

@kasperbergholt 2 great suggestions. I’ll look at the Leben preamps. And I’ll do some reading about Yamamoto. What do you like about that maker?

I have not checked to see about the tone and balance functions when in preamp mode. I’ll check in the next couple of days and report back. 

@blackbag20 great suggestions. I’ve often thought about Backert. I’ve heard so many good things. 
 

ARC is another great idea. Any suggestions for model?

I’m thinking about Shindo. Heard good  things about synergy with Leben and Devore. 
 

Also curious about VAC and Audible Illusions. I’ll do some reading. 
 

Much appreciated!

M

@lak thank you for another wonderful suggestion. Can’t believe they weren’t on my radar. 
 

@kasperbergholt i checked and the balance control and boost are active in preamp in mode. I can’t speak to how the Leben is built, but I do know that overall it sounds better with the bottle head than with its own preamp section (alone ?). Why would Leben offer it if it would only diminish the sound?

@lak no, the preamp section has tubes. It’s not merely a volume pot. 

I ended up getting an Shindo Monbrison, which makes the Leben sing. But I also got a Shindo Montille, and that outshines the Leben by no small measure.  

@ghasley cv391. Makes me curious about the el84. But the 391 is really good 

@ghasley agreed! Tone and texture in abundance. With the O96s, the combo with the Monbrison seems perfect. Immersive sound and the texture drives a realness I’m enjoying. Thanks for your impressions.