My experience over the years has been that the effect of any linestage/preamp in my systems has been the most unpredictable. Digital sources have consistently proven more refined/analog-sounding as I've moved up the cost ladder (ouch!). Once I understood how to match amplification with compatible loudspeakers and "tamed" the listening room, the "amp/speaker" choices distilled into a paradigm-based "flavor" preference and I've gotten what appeals best to my "taste". Preamp/linestage has been the most difficult component. I'll still hold on to my EVS XLR and Endler RCA passives (in case of active "failure") and a K&K fully balanced active linestage in my office system, as these have been the biggest bang for buck units outside of the Audio Note Custom.
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.
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.