Preamp for a Line Magnetic i518?

Thanks Charles...I will look into that.

Anyone else have some thoughts on a preamp for my system?  Sure would appreciate hearing more ideas. 

I read up on both preamps mentioned. It seems as if the Micro ZOTL is primarily a headphone amp and only puts out 1W. Is this really enough output to serve as a preamp. I'm not really knowledgeable on in depth electrical issues. Also it actually has speaker inputs. I assume if I were to set up as a preamp I would continue to run my speakers from my LM.  The Shindo is of course beautiful as well but the price of the Micro ZOTL is attractive!

Any other preamp contenders?

fjn04,

yes I keep in touch with Matt. I bought my LM 518ia from him as well as my LM 515 CD player. Great guy!

I have absolutely no lack of VC now. I listen pretty loud sometimes and never go past 11 o'clock. Do you think adding a preamp might affect the volume?

Thanks all. I will email teajay. 

fjn04, there are two Aurieges listed now...one is an older version with 2 units (w/separate power unit) and the other a combined 1 unit. Do you, or anyone else, know if there are any sonic differences?  Not sure why Shindo went from original external power source to internal power later. 

facten....yes I have rolled some tubes. Philips 5R4GYS rectifier, SED Winged C EL34s, and Psvane TII 12ax7. Haven't  changed out the 845s yet but would like to soon.  Not sure which ones so haven't done that yet.

I don't really feel (or know) anything is missing per se. I've had it set up like this for about a year and am very happy with my system as is overall. But can't help but wonder if I added a preamp could I be "happier."  Just thinking it could be even better. Most people I have talked with seem to think a compatible preamp would add some more dimension and be a positive addition.  What speakers are you using?

genjamon: thanks for the response. I had put getting a preamp on hold for a few months but am thinking of it again. I did review some info on the Don Sachs and based on that and your experience with this and others I am seriously thinking of adding a preamp to my LM518 again. I like what you said about the Don Sachs...similar to what I enjoy sonically. Couple questions:  I assume you hook it up into the LM pre in rather than other inputs?  And what interconnects are you using between the pre and LM?

I just rolled in new 845 tubes....Shugang  Replica WE845. Very recent so not fully ready to make a report out but the are sounding very nice out of the box. Also one of my Psvane TII 12ax7 tubes died so I have reinstalled the original tubes for now. Any thoughts on a good upgrade for the 12ax7s?

soundsrealaudio:  also checked out the Ultraverve....looks very interesting too. Couldn't seem to find current cost?  Do you know?

Thanks

facten...thanks for the info. Obviously the 5751 is compatible change for the 12ax7?  What is the benefit for lower gain in your opinion?