I like the RLD-1 too.
One of the most overlooked aspects of a preamp (and audio in general) is volume control. Properly setting the volume can be the difference in the music really speaking to you or annoying you. Many recordings have an optimal volume setting and your own mood at times can dictate a preferable volume setting.
It seems simple and obvious, but I guarantee that some of the differences one may hear in evaluating equipment is actually do to slight changes in volume control.
The RLD-1 has an excellent high-resolution volume control. It's digital display is addictive and allows you to make .5db adjustments per channel. It makes it so much easier to evaluate equipment when you know you are using the exact same volume setting. I can't see going back to the old dial. Noise wise, I don't notice a problem with this type of volume control either.
One of the most overlooked aspects of a preamp (and audio in general) is volume control. Properly setting the volume can be the difference in the music really speaking to you or annoying you. Many recordings have an optimal volume setting and your own mood at times can dictate a preferable volume setting.
It seems simple and obvious, but I guarantee that some of the differences one may hear in evaluating equipment is actually do to slight changes in volume control.
The RLD-1 has an excellent high-resolution volume control. It's digital display is addictive and allows you to make .5db adjustments per channel. It makes it so much easier to evaluate equipment when you know you are using the exact same volume setting. I can't see going back to the old dial. Noise wise, I don't notice a problem with this type of volume control either.