Preamplifier options - seeking help to determine which one

Can I ask what drives you to these products? Are you aware you can buy some pretty good proven equipment in this price range that are better know in the hifi world than these pieces. Not saying they're bad, but I'm not sure anyone can really say anything about this brand. However, if you asked for recommendations in this price range you'll get a lot of responses.

Sure. I have been investigating possible options for tube-based amplifier for quite some time and after studying extensively I have come to the conclusion that I prefer Japanese brands due to their values and philosophy of audio reproduction. Shindo (which probably is better known) is not easy to buy anymore. Audio Note Kondo is too expensive for me. There are a lot of other brands but I have heard so many great things about Yamamoto. 

Ok. Can you explain me the other differences? Double volume adjustment and Level Attenuator for instances? Would be it wise to choose the more expensive Level Attenuator? 

Regarding CA-03, I'm assuming the attenuator version doesn't add any gain, so it's cleaner sounding with better signal-to-noise ratio. If you tend to listen mostly at low volume then this version would be great. But if you like to pump it up at times, you might want to go with volume version, which I'm sure would sound pretty amazing too.

Either version of CA-03 will work with you Denon DL-103R. No need for a SUT. Just set the back switch to 100 ohms.

You are correct, CA-04 is just line-level preamp without the phono stage. You would need an external phono preamp with this choice. SUTs only bring low MC signals up to phono level NOT line level. They cannot work by plugging them into line-level inputs. SUTs need to be plugged into "phono" inputs. That said, if you do buy an external phono stage make sure it can accept MC cartridges or you will have to also buy a SUT.

Yes, you can plug the Airport into the AUX on the new preamp, just as you use the AUX on the Sansui.

Thank you very much for your explanation. I primarily listen to jazz and classical music - everything from solo pieces to larger ensembles and orchestral works. I live in an apartment and I do not listen to extremely loud levels - I'm not hosting techno parties and desire a crazy subwoofer that shakes the floor. Rather I like an emotional and intimate listening experience with a natural soundstage with lots of depth. Sometimes intimacy can be acquired when you turn the volume up a bit and the music embraces you, but I wouldn't say that I listen to very loud music. 

My understanding is that the double volume level item makes me control the volume of each speaker which can be preferable if your room requires it. I'm not so sure what the attentunator does. 

A follow up question: How come there are so much difference in the price between the two? It seems that CA-03 is the superior model, is that correct?

Thank you very much for your very nice recommendations. 

I will look into the option of Berning ZOTL and your great offer, Bigkidz.

However I think I initially will prioritize synergy and therefore my inquiry is regarding the specific differences and an explanation of the terminology used. Perhaps you can assist me with that. 

Honestly I wish you luck but your theoretical approach to component selection seems more about buying into the marketing hype of a company most of us have never heard of than actual user experience or sound. Their website is heavy on that but really doesn’t say much about product design, specs, etc. That tube or its equivalent is used in a lot of medium-quality Chinese hardware, but pretty much nowhere else. Lots of experienced audiophiles and music lovers here but nobody seems to have heard of or listened to the products you prefer. Try going out and listening to actual equipment. Hope things work out.

I'm sorry if my messages come out this way. I must excuse my poor English. 

I actually just want to learn more about the technical things. What is an attenuator and what are the advantages of this? How come two models have different prices? Are they specific power amplifiers or what is it? When I do have an MC pickup, what is the better solution, an integrated solution with a preamp combined with phonostage or individual components? How does a SUT go into this equation?

I merely want to understand more and learn more about HiFi. 

I owned and loved a Yamamoto A011 (VT52) amp for nearly 9 years.

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your experience and reflections regarding Yamamoto and I'm glad that you take my system (Audio Note) into consideration.

I was actually recommended, by Yamamoto, to choose A-011 due to the low stock of VT-52 and ADM-1 tubes. The A-011 is supposed to be made with 2A3 making a fair 4 W per channel.

 I did get a very quiet sound out of a pair of AN Es which are nearer 92db rather than 98db. 

I'm very well aware that both the "45" and "VT-52" amplifiers deliver modest power. The Audio Note speaker I would like is the SPe/HE that should be 98 dB efficient. I will listen to music in a 25 square meter room. I have tried various places to ask if it would be a problem. Most replies I get is that the "45" will probably be difficult, but the "VT-52" shouldn't be. Which pair of Js do you have? 

to stop loud clicking noises caused by dc on the attenuator burning the contacts

This seems like a major problem. Can you elaborate on the problem and how did it occur? 

Hello again.

It seems like you received great service and that you have an excellent selection of exquisite tubes.

How did you land upon Yamamoto? What do you think of the sound?

I don’t think AN OTO can battle with Yamamoto SET designs. I’m not sure though. 
 

I don’t know much about KT88 either but I really like 45. I thought VT52 would be perfect with SPe/He. How come there is so big variation in efficiency?