2. amps-preamps
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A great linestage/preamp "makes" a great system

I've evolved a very nice and synergistic 2 channel music system over the past decade (posted). The learning curve has been very steep at times, but the result has been worth the ride. The one component I've found the most elusive to get "right" is the linestage/preamp. I've owned resistor-based attenuators (EVS and Endler), passive TVCs (Django and amorphous core Promethius), Musical Design MP-1b and custom 2 box "balls out" (Black Gates/tantalum resistors/Schottky)solid state, fully tweaked Atma-Sphere MP-3, and Blue Circle 3000 GZPZ tubed units - all of which had virtues, but none possessing the full package. I understand where the passive crowd is coming from. That nth degree of transparency is very hard to get from actives. Likewise, the liquidity/body/"humanness" of great actives adds so much to my musical enjoyment. My new Audio Note L3 Kits "2 box" Custom build from Bill Baker of Bella Extreme has finally gotten me the best attributes of both passive and active designs I've used.

I'm wondering if any of you, like me, have been on the journey a while and have found the linestage/preamp to be the trickiest to get "right" in your system. For me a truly outstanding one is the centerpiece of my system.
jb0194
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Jb0194,

I do agree that for me at least, the line stage preamp is one of, if not the most difficult choices to make in building a quality stereo system. I can go back only about 4 years ago, when it took me 7 in home auditions to find the preamp that I chose.

I think one of the things that makes the preamp so difficult is combining sound quality, with features, and compatibility. For the most part, when we are choosing speakers, amps, sources, etc, we are only choosing quality of sound and compatibility. There are no real 'features' to rely on. For instance, a preamp you may be looking for remote control ability on top of phase inversion, balance control, balanced ins/outs, etc....etc.

A speaker only needs to sound good by comparison.

Bottom line, I do agree with you that the line stage is the 'trickest' piece to get in a great sounding system.

Cheers,
John
jb0194 OP
476 posts
 
Features are definitely a huge consideration. One of the reasons I went the "custom" route with Bill Baker was to tailor a preamp to my liking. I wanted that glorious Audio Note sound with two pairs each of (transformer-coupled) balanced inputs and outputs. The M10 at the top of Audio Note's commercial preamp line has 'em (though I don't think a PAIR of each). I also wanted right and left channel 0.25 dB step DACT attenuators in addition to a DACT master volume attenuator to fine tune channel balance. Others surely would have a very different set of system-specific features.
dmailer's avatar
dmailer
235 posts
 
I too feel that the preamp is the most critical component in the system. Since the amps and speakers magnify whatever the output is from the preamp it greatly effects outcome. I have gone through many hi end preamps by Audible Illusions, Sonic Frontiers, Hovland, Lamm, and Wyetech but found that my Shindo Vosne Romanee has made the largest positive difference in my sound of any component I have tried.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Despite some of what others might call short commings, I like the thor MK II line stage.

I also feel the preamp, if one is used, is very very important.

congrats on your own achievement.

to get off mine, I'd have to find one with as good or better sonics, and far more flexibility, and all with remote control actuation.
mmike84
309 posts
 
To this day adding a preamp to my system many many years ago (formerly had been using a Wadia CDP w/ volume control) was the single biggest improvement my system ever experienced. While speakers and amp make the most noticeable differences, the Preamp is a critical component when it comes to fine detail, and nuance. Congratulations on finding one you like. I've been through many recently and I've found a couple I really like. I think my current unit is going to be a "keeper".
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