Kal is correct on both counts. Here are a few other thoughts based on my experience with my PLL:
It can be optimized in several regards: First: roll the tubes. The stock tubes are quiet, but otherwise really nothing special. I am using a single Cryoed 50's vintage Phillips Miniwatt 12AT7 (purchased from tubeworld) and (2) Mullard 10M Gold Pin 12AX7's. I know others have had very nice results using Mullard long plate 12AX7's, telefunken ECC803S and smooth plate tele 12ax7's and older vintage RCA 12AX7's as well. I tried Bugle Boy 12AX7's, but they had waaay too much upper midrange presence for this preamp. I also tried the telefunken ECC801S at the 12AT7 position, and it was nice, but a bit more analytical than the Cryo'd Phillips Miniwatt. You should plan on experimenting some to optimize it to your tastes, and this takes time but the rewards are well worth it....
As for PC's. I am currently using the Kubala-Sosna Emotion and recommend it highly. I have also used the Electraglide epiphany (a bit too 'clean,' but whoa all that detail comes through) and Isoclean (smooth and warm tonal balance, lost some detail). I feel the K-S is a nice in-between point for them. I also plug it in to an Isoclean 80A3 power conditioner, which also smoothes things out a bit.
I personally found the PLL to be exceedingly neutral, almost to a fault. Even though its tubed, it does not add any euphonics, forgive poor recordings or problems elsewhere in the signal chain, especially any brightness (read digital source). Its not as inherently smooth as some other preamps out there, but properly tweaked and matched, it provides peerless transparency, neutrality and just a hint of warmth (properly tweaked, that it).
Hope that helps.
Art
