I compared a gamut c2r to a conrad johnson pv10 in my system. The CJ was noticibly better. The C2R is not tube sounding or warm. I'd call it neutral.....
The C2R displayed typical SS traits in my system. While in and of itself not a bad thing, it made my system too oriented to the analytical/detail/lean side of things. The CJ had more warmth, more bass (surprising), and handled transients much better (removed much harshness). With all the SS gear in my system, it apppears that a tube pre will be important to balance my sytem.
The Gamute C2R was a nice preamp, but it didn't blend well with my system.
The C2R displayed typical SS traits in my system. While in and of itself not a bad thing, it made my system too oriented to the analytical/detail/lean side of things. The CJ had more warmth, more bass (surprising), and handled transients much better (removed much harshness). With all the SS gear in my system, it apppears that a tube pre will be important to balance my sytem.
The Gamute C2R was a nice preamp, but it didn't blend well with my system.