Price Paid:  $800.00

Summary:
Hello,

I bought this unit used, in mint condition. It has a very interesting combination of features, sound and appearance, for what is a very modest outlay if you consider what it does ( even at its new price).
The most notable quality of this preamp is also its weakness for some: all the attributes I mentioned earlier are so evenly distributed, some will find themselves wanting to stretch the equation towards some of the areas they value most.. But if you want a flexible, feature loaded , balanced preamp of true altough not ultimate high-end,, that ticks all the boxes and for a fraction of what other manufacturers do, then this one is a no brainer.
I use it with my ML 29, and it works fine. I would not pair it with a ragged/thin sounding power however as it might sound a tad thin and wearing.Stick to class A, very clean but full sounding SS, or good quality tubes, and you will be fine.
As I said, this one can sound boring in description , but it isn´t..It has pace,dynamics, delicacy, definition, soundstage and harmonic richness in quantity and quality you should not expect at this price (2400 euros new), without being an mind-blowing overachiver at any of them, but managing a supreme balancing act. You just can`t complain about what´s on offer, but if you want to tilt your system towards warm and cuddly, or lusciuous and ripe and juicy you might want to go elsewhere, as this is ever so slightly towards fresh and clean biased.
My unit has been improved professionaly with a new power supply, and gained and extra layer of definition, and especialy better dynamics. If you buy used, just check that the every input is working fine-some of the relays may have become stuck and need replacement ( cheap and quick fix ).
If you peak inside, you will find a very simple but irreprehensibly layed out and implemented design with top notch components throughout - its professional origins show, with no amateurism or nonsense exotic parts, just the best industry has to offer.
XLR works a treat, with better bass an blackier background, and you have turn the volume up as the gain is lower than average, a good thing if you also like to hear at low level as the pot is always working in the most linear and perfect chanel balance area.
You can also improve things if you get a better power cord.Stock is just O.k, but get something better, it is worthwhile, and be sure to check polarity( Supra lowrad as minimum, Kimber 4TC ok, stuck with Audio Agile, excellent here).
Another simple, cheap and effective upgrade is removing the stock power fuse and replace it with good quality ones- HI-Fi tuning for example sells them.

Strengths:
Balance of all audiphile virtues
Plays all kinds of music
True balanced ins and outs
XLR Bypass
Plenty of ins/outs
Excelent value for money
Discreet aesthetics

Weaknesses:
Very slightly cool sounding
Reliability issues ( relays)

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