CH Precision electronics

Thanks everyone for all your feedback. Since I use this "tool" (CH L1 X1) for a different purpose, I just thought it would be thoughtful to share my experience. Please keep in mind I always compare what I do threw that line stage , to many other client's reference system.  I was told about spectral from a dear friend of mine that is part owner of Berkeley Audio Labs. Here is the problem with almost every other preamp available in the world. They all have too much gain. Some 8 db some 18 db. If your feeding a +4 DBM nominal signal into a preamp, (most balanced DAC outputs) and the preamp has gain built in, it will fundamentally reduce headroom and resolution. 

As you can see the better I can reference truly the resolution of the source, the better I can adjust my compressors for a translatable mix/product . 

In Hi Fi the ultimate goal should be a system that entertains you. For me I need accuracy, so my clients hear the same thing I hear. 

PS The Spectral preamp has set gain I believe of 10 or 18 DB . The CH precision is the only preamp I know of that enables you to disconnect the +18 db gain stage, thus making it 0db in 0db out with volume control all the way up! 

If ANYONE knows of a active line stage ( not passive) with NO additional gain  built in please share. I am always open minded

Yes I still use my EMT plates. 

micb

Thank You for sharing your experience. Another +vote for your Studio photos looking amazing. Good to read that CH Precision accomplishes your Audio goal.

Happy Listening!

You could have got a reference Yamaha C5000 line stage for 10k dollars. It would have provided 45k in savings.

Yamaha knows how to engineer the greatest line stages for mankind. Their sound master is an ethereal being, a sound deity of sorts.

Hello Deep

Thanks for the recommendation! I looked at it and I can see they have addressed common ground mode noise and its effect of sensitive audio 0V . I still use Yamaha NS10 speakers mostly because of their magical crossover in the midrange. I will look further into this C5000 line stage. Can the equalizer or tone controls be shut off? The preamp probably has some gain in it, this is why they offer attenuation on the balanced inputs and outputs. I am sure it's a very transparent preamp, it might lack the resolution of the CH gear, If you care to share your findings on the sound of this line stage, I would love to hear it.

I want to make something very clear to anyone posting reply's to my comments. First and foremost, my sonic journey is what I am passionate about. Therefore, I have NO emotion to a piece of gear I might use. If there is something better, I am all over it.. 

For my enduring research, I believe in the collective synergy of multiple opinions in my journey. So therefore, I have NO ego or never need to be right. I am true to the ART and journey seeking the best "reference", (since I make a living mixing artists music) .To be honest the artist tells me when the mix is done.  there feedback and them re-hiring me to mix their music is some form perspective, if I am going in the right direction. Some of the artists  I mix for have unlimited budgets. They REALLY want the best. There Utube video's cross well over billions of views, so they are getting paid. 

So one can understand for me this is a business and of course a total passion. I get to work with superstars, and craft their sound. There are producers involved and making there productions sound better than they ever heard, including  their beats and music is what keeps my journey so exciting.  

After auditioning so many line stages, and I have not heard them all, so far, the CH is killing it.. But if anyone has any other better recommendations, PLEASE share. Thank You   Audio