budget diy tube preamp beating many expensive preamps... problem with my system?


My bottlehead moreplay so far has beaten the ARC ref 5 SE, Allnic L3000 v2 and CJ ET5 (and maybe doge 8). I just don't really get it. Is there something about my system thats limiting the peformance of these other pieces or is moreplay just insanely good ?

yamaha ns5000, waudio power strip, waudio cables,  cheap amazon rca cables, amp is CJ LP70S, dac denafrips terminator.

smodtactical

it can be because of some system matching issues.

You also do not explain where there are sonic difference that you prefer compared to the other units.

So a happy accident. You found after trying several other more expensive preamps that a simpler and less expensive DIY preamp brought out better sound. Enjoy your good fortune.

Wow so the problem was my power. I had a waudio power brick. My buddy let me borrow the puritan psm 156 and the system sounds incredible now! ET5 is far superior and the system sounds so transparent, tonally nuanced, dynamic and just beautiful. This was with the upgraded power cable.

My friend told me to optimize my power first before comparing gear.. he was right. Jeeez !!!