Some have doubt with the dual closed loop capstan, but my opninion about this is to measure it with other decks. Nor the take-up reel or the supply reel need more tension to lead the tape through the heads. This is done by the 2 capstan flywheels who have 2 different diameters each. While one capstan will run slightly slower than the other, Richardson Mobile Truck Repair

None . .

Detailed, fast, smooth, remote control, looks cool!
Good value.

Not the most spacious pre around.

Surprisingly detailed and fast, especially for the money.
Good focus, well defined.

Not the fastest/deepest bass available. Probably not for head-bangers. A great value though for acoustic music (classical especially).

A very "nice" pre to listen to, lots of well-focused detail, but certainly not an "in your face" presentation.

A really good looking piece of kit as well (subject to taste).

Not as detailed/transparent as the current Linn Kolector, but that does tend to be a little too upfront for some folks. But significantly better than the other pre-amps listed above in this regard !

Not in production anymore, but a good used buy.

Similar Products Used:

Concordant Exquisite, Rowland Consummate, Audio Research SP11/2, Linn Kolector

Good looks,remote control, balanced output, reasonably detailed, smooth, warmish, adds weight and presence to leanish systems

Will come across as syrupy, heavy, closed-in and lethargic in transparent systems

Had it for 5 years but not used often as its weaknesses did not win me over. Its performance is boosted if you play around with the power supply polarity (you can revert it at the power cord plug). By switching the +ve and -ve polarities of the power supply, you could determine in which polarity your unit will work best.

In the 'right' polarity, the F22 tube preamp is capable of being more open. The effect is a perception of overall bigger soundstage (especially height), a lighther and more nimble performance which adds up in the timing-wise.

Even so, its basic character persists - a heaviness and syrupy 'veil'. The F22 will never sound in your face. Its character may be desirable to some with a brash, leanish and forward sounding system.

The remote is a cool and darn useful thing to have!

Similar Products Used:

Sonograph, Audio Research LS1, Octave M7i kit

quite smooth sounding

being a hybrid design- neither fish nor fowl

initially, the impression l had was of a a component which had some of the virtues of valves but does not have the hard edge of some solid state designs. for me, there was not enough "bite" to the sound, an excellent match for the F15 power amplifier. fairly fast sounding and good value for money. an excellent buy used.

Similar Products Used:

beard valve,F25