Price Paid:  $599.00 from used - Local shop

Summary:
There should be more reviews of this pre-amp! I don't know very much about high-end pre-amps but I feel bad that this one seems to be over-looked. In my opinion - it is awesome even though it does some things that I understand a pre-amp should not do. For 1 thing, it is definitly not invisible in my system. Compared to running the CD player direct to amp (a TEAC C D1 and a Parasound HCA-750) the sound is much more detailed in the mid-range and much more controlled in the lower freqs. I don't really know why it does this or if it is a good thing or not but I really like it.

The build quality on this pre-amp is really nice. It actually weighs more than my amp and has one of the coolest volume knobs on earth. Every time you rotate the volume knob, you hear a satisfying, metal "click" noise (from the unit - not over the speakers) - it makes me feel like I am using some piece of military equipment instead of a pre-amp. It has 1 set of RCA outs and 1 set of balanced outs; 3 regular inputs, 1 balanced and 2 loop in/outs (tape and processor). The remote control is no big-deal . . works fine.

Strengths:
In my system - adds clarity, bass control and detail. Build quality. Volume knob (seriously - it's that cool)

Weaknesses:
It might not sound as good in other systems. In my system - it adds things that were missing before . . in another . . it might add too much. Another set of RCA outs would be great.

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
A beautiful component that does what I want it to do. For the price this is one of the best buys out there.

Strengths:
Build quality, looks, price.

Weaknesses:
Would like to have more than one set of rca outputs.

Similar Products Used:
Nad, Carver, Phase Linear