2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236544838

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

Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

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
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