Do I need BOTH amp and pre to be sonic holography?

I know I sound like a stuck record, but nothing can replace auditioning equipment at a "high end emporium". No amount of reading post's written by some of the smartest people I have ever encountered will tell you what true "high end" sounds like.

You have to make that trip to a "high end emporium". Once the sound get's stamped on your brain, you'll know when you're getting it right.

Phase Linear 4000, was the first time Carver used that circuit. While it was quite interesting when compared to "Mid Fi", it doesn't hold a candle to a "high end" sound stage, and not only that; but the parts were cheap.