Preamplifier: Yes or NO ?

preamps can add some "solor" to the sound. given the dubious sound quality of most cds and some lps, a preamp, especially a vintage tube specimen, is necessary to avoid ear fatigue.

hi 9rw, i thought you gave up the hobby.

i meant color, not "solor". yes you are correct. there is no proof. as i have said before all staements dependent upon perception are anecdotal and hence opinion--yours, mine and anyone else.

i appreciate that you remind me what i have said in the past.

why is one opinion more or less useful than another ?

my preferences do not preclude me from honest evaluations.
i have no reason to misrepresent.

what one listens to in the privacy of one's listening environment does not benefit me in any way. i am not an audio dealer and i have no ego.

it seems to me that an audiofile forum is a place where perosnal opinions and preferences are raised. in fact, people express their attitudes about many things.

newbee, you ask a good question and you are straight forward. i like that.

i will try to answer the question regarding presentation of opinions which are diametrically opposed to the "conventional wisdom" and opposed to many who read and post their opinions in this forum.

first, i am an independent thinking person and by nature, somewhat iconoclastic.

i have had a lot of experience listening to a variety of stereo systems. as such, i have some very strong opinions.

my central hypothesis is that most stereo systems are imbalnced, with too much energy in the region 1000 to 3000 hz.

yes, this is an opinion. i can't prove it any more than somewhat who disagrees with me.

i am trying to have a civil discourse with people who disagree with me. it is unfortunate that some take my comments personally. it is only audio--material things.

as to the ego. i have strong convinctions and am willing to assert them. i do not benefit in any way from the decisions and attitudes others may have regarding topics of an audio nature. if someone agrees with me and buys something, i do not gain. in fact, i may not even be aware of such a purchase.

i have a lot of schooling beyond college and have a philosopical bent. i guess you could say i like to debate.
debating and discussion keeps my brain cells from atrophying, so i guess i should thank you for keeping me on my toes.

you can draw your own conclusions as to whether or not i have an ego, beyond what what would be construed as a normal sense of self.

i hope this clears the air.