Reference quality line stage?


I'm planning the purchase of the last line stage I'll ever need (as distinct from the last one I'll ever buy...). It's going to be used for two-channel stereo only. It will sit between my Audio Note 4.1x Balanced Signature and a pair of Wavelength Triton Blue monoblocks driving Coincident Total Victory speakers. My opportunities for auditioning units in the price range I'm looking at are severely limited, which is why I'm asking for thoughts here.

My musical tastes run the gamut: orchestral, chamber, jazz, rock, folk, blues, even some alt country. My audio tastes are decidedly single ended triode: I like music that's palpable, fleshy, detailed, open, dynamic, extended and just plain real.

I'm looking for a line stage that's going to give me everything with as little fuss and attention as possible. My mechanical requirements are simple. My minimum configuration would be: single ended, three inputs, one output. I need about 10db of gain. Remote volume control would be nice but not essential. Anything beyond that (balanced operation, remote source selection, tape outputs, HT capability etc.) is OK if it doesn't compromise the fundamental quality of the unit.

The price range I'm looking at is $10K to $15K USD. I have no preference for new or used. The short list at the moment includes the Blowtorch, the VTL 7.5 and the Aesthetix Callisto Signature. I'm a bit hesitant about the Callisto, frankly, because of the number of tubes - it looks to me like there's too much potential for care and feeding problems down the road.

Any thoughts on my three candidates or suggestions for others I should consider are welcome.
128x128gliderguider
Hi:

Many feel the Lamm L2 is the best sounding preamp available, irrespective of price (it lists for +/- $13,600, incidentally). It is single-ended, has dual volume controls and no remote. It is a solid-state design with a tube-regulated outboard power supply.

Of the others mentioned, the top VAC preamps are supurb.

I have a Rowland Coherence II, which is lovely, but it ain't a Lamm.

Good luck.
You should take a look at the Gryphon Sonata Allegro. Probably the best preamp I've heard in that price point. Another great one is the Classe Omega.
1st choice YBA signature ,2 big power sup..nagra is close 2nd ... can you say ,TRANSPARENT ??????
Hello Glider,

The Blowtorch is fantastic. Best solid state preamp I've ever heard, and quite possibly the best regardless of type. Nope, I don't sell 'em.

You might also want to consider the Atma-Sphere MP-1, which it just so happens I do sell (surprise, surprise). Very lively with superb inner harmonic detail. Let me know where you're located and I'll try to arrange an audition for you.

But if you don't get the Atma-Sphere, get the Blowtorch.

My $.02,

Duke
If you're considering the Blowtorch, make sure that your sources have a relatively high level of output. From what i can remember, the Blowtorch doesn't have as much gain and you may have a hard time driving an insensitive amp to full ouptut with a weak source or very quiet recording. This would be something to talk to Bob Crump or John Curl about. It is a worthy contender so long as you can meet the above criteria. Sean
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