Transparent, dead quiet, simple, separate power supply, strong detailed bass, sounds very good at any volume. Independent volume controls (non-stepped) for infinite control and balance control.

Only 2 inputs.

Quite a controversial pre-amp! After reading much ado about the ELAD on audiogon and audioasylum I decided that I had to try it myself as I was in the market for a new pre-amp. After about a month of listening I can say that I think it is the best pre-amp that I've owned yet. Of course, system synergy is everything. My system is composed of a Rega Planar 25 w/ Benz Micro Glider M2, Lehmann Black Cube phono stage, Pioneer PD-65 transport, Monarchy DIP, MSB Full Nelson upsampling Link DAC w/ P1000 power supply, Kimber Illuminati D-60 digital ICs, silver ribbon interconnects, CARY CAD-50M MKII monoblocks modified with Chris VenHaus Flavor 2 power cables, Synergistic Research Resolution Reference .5 speaker wires, Silverline Audio Sonatina Speakers, PS Audio P300 power plant. Simply put I've found the ELAD to be without fault compared to what I've owned and I feel no need to upgrade. For those who know me, that in itself is quite a positive review.

Similar Products Used:

Classe CP-35, Classe CP-45, Blue Circle BC21, Creek OBH-12, ASL AQ2006DT, Sim Audio Moon I5, Marsh Audio P2000, Rogue Audio 66, Placette Audio passive

With the caveat that I don't have the "credentials" to compare this to any "high end" system, I just like listening to live recordings on this better than anything I've ever heard.

You tell me; I can't think of any weakness.

This is a 2002 model; the review field for model year didn't let me select 2002. I'm an "audio idiot" and was just looking for a good, strong system for my garage. The temperature, humidity, etc., conditions are far removed from what I presume most "audiophiles" subject their systems to. After reviewing reviews on the net, I read about (1) Bryston's fabulous warranty and (2) more or less independently, rave reviews on the ELAD. Contacted Mr. Morrison, and got the drill on the ELAD and Bryston. Continued the research because I wasn't in a hurry, didn't (apologies to those who think this sounds snotty) have to worry about price, and just wanted something that was "high quality" and "bulletproof." I'll skip over the book I could write about Mr. Morrison's customer service; one phone call and you'll reach the same conclusion I did. He's obviously got a big brain, hands that build the product and a heart to walk even an "audio idiot" through the basics. E.g., "why do I need a separate "preamp" if I have an "amp"?" I would have bought his product even if a crystal ball told me it was less than what all the reviews say it is: he's that impressive. So is the product, though I can't pretend to compare it "intelligently" to other high-end components. I haven't owned them and the local hi-fi shop takes like 45 minutes to "arrange" a system for me to listen to, so I gave up on that and cast my fate to the net reviews. I'm listening to Van Morrison (no relation to Don) "Too Late Too Stop Now" "Listen to the Lion." It's a live recording that runs a little over 8 minutes, the very end being Van quieting the whole auditorium down as someone squeaks a guitar down to small, sharp barks (for those who get jizzed by listening to the singer breathe, get ready to smell Van's breath)and the whole place is quiet while the song winds up and, finally, some yo-yo howls "allright" and the applause tumbles in. Right before the "allright", turn Don's little marvel WAY UP. My, my. I'm not sure I give a damn whether I hear what's there to be heard, but I sure never heard it before. Again, given my lack of experience, maybe a 600 dollar integrated amp would do the same thing. Maybe; I just click forward to track 7 and listen to "Caravan." On a different note, I like Morphine's "Cure for the Pain" CD, and boy is that a pleasure to listen to. I have no idea whether spending

Similar Products Used:

As noted above, none, and I couldn't get my local hi-fi shop to competently audition high end stuff. After I told them it was for my garage (I believe in full disclosure) they acted like I was contagi

Dynamics

none

I am moving and would like to sell this gorgeous preamp. It is in mint condition and is worth every penny, but, I am willing to let it go for $500. Please Email me if you are interested

Similar Products Used:

Creek OBH

faithful, that is, balance in each band, no colored sound and accurate!!

some bad record sound ugly!

To me, to discover every detial in original record is my goal of my stereo system, but they must have good c/p ratio. Indeed, there are many product have better spec than ELAD, but there are no one can beat ELAD in all aspects. Especially, frequency response is linear form 15-200K hz, and no one can beat it. Use ELAD, I can distinguish from one DAC to another(if one CD player use the same DAC with other one, ELAD will tell you this, try this you all and you will believe me!!). Ok, ok! I am crazy. But I guess that is how faithfully ELAD is. DAC is the original analog signal generator and determine what you sound will be! I have planed to buy a dCS Ring DAC base CD player(Arcam FMJ CD23T) because it is the most linear DAC in the world, although no digital convert error exist in LP. Amm...., I don''t know what I want to say. But, one day you will understand me!! My current system Philips LHH 100 CD player ELAD Bryston 4BST AUDES 2000(4way 4speaker bass flux) frutech RTP6 power line filter

Similar Products Used:

rotel 970BX, classe ?? preamp,

Accuracy, faithfulness to the sound, build quality, simplicity of design.

Doesn''''t have the impressive look of a Krell or Levinson preamp. May be too revealing for already harsh systems.

The Morrison ELAD (short for Electronic Line Amplification Device) is as close to a straight wire with gain that I have yet seen and heard. Words like "warmth", "air" or "space" don''''t apply here. This preamp is accurate and faithful to the sound. Side by side against by Threshold T-3, the ELAD clearly stands head and shoulders above. The T-3 has more bass, but the ELAD brings out details and nuances that the Threshold masks. The decays of cymbals, harpsichords, the singing sound of violing strings, the breath of vocals are all faithfully revealed. With the ELAD side by side against a direct CD-Amp connection and I heard no detectable differences (at least none that I could be sure of). Technically, the ELAD also is well built and the simplicity and elegance of the design means fewer parts to fail, and I think this adds to its purity. No capacitors are in the signal path either. It drives my Ayre V-3 and Thiel speakers to deafening levels with ease. Current setup: Arcam Alpha 7SE CD Player Morrison ELAD Ayre V-3 amplifier Thiel CS 2.2 speakers Any questions -- please feel free to send email to erzielin@hotmail.com. I''''d be glad to hear from other ELAD owners!

Similar Products Used:

Threshold T-3, Bryston 0.5B, Threshold FET9.

Incredible value, but could be the best line stage preamp at any price.

Popularity combined with being individually made has created a waiting list to purchase.

When I first unpacked this unit, I marvelled at its simplicity and solid construction. Then I hooked it up and listened through it-WOW! Yes, I did mean "through" it, not "to" it because this pre-amp is dead quiet, transparent, and neutral-all you'll hear is the music. Morrison wouldn't have it any other way. He is a self admitted control freak who even hand sews the silk pouches he packs them in. He is probably making a mistake in charging so little for this line stage-he could probably gain more "audiophile" credibility if he priced them at several thousand dollars and marketed them through high end dealers. Fortunately for us, that's just not his style. The Morrison ELAD is a true high end component at an unbelievable price.

Similar Products Used:

Linn, Acurus, Dynaco, Krell

Build Quality, Customer Service before and after sale, Sonic quality

only two inputs, only two outputs, no remote (but you know all that going in)

The first time I spoke to Don he said "please don't send me any money, I'll put you on a list and call you when it's ready, but I don't need you sending money and then bothering me until I send it." Pretty tough sales line! I just like most or all of Don's other customers spoke to him multiple times before we received the unit, and a few times after we received it to make sure we were satisfied.

I can tell you that I recently upgraded from a Pioneer Elite receiver to the nOrh multiamp and the ELAD. I first hooked the amp up to the Elite using the Pioneer as a pre-amp. I use the AH! Tjoeb CD player (it's wonderful). The bass improved but I always thought that the nOrh 7.0's tweeters sounded a little muffled. When I hooked up the ELAD that muffle went away and the tweeters sounded wonderful. I could hear the soft brush on a cymbal, like I was there, when I couldn't hear it at all before. I cannot recommend this product enough. If you are looking for a two channel pre-amp, there are none better made, and there are none better supported. If you have questions feel free to call Don, If you are uncomfortable with that, E-mail me with any questions and I will try to help you. There are some venders I wouldn't say this about but Don is one of the "GOOD GUYS" that deserves every accolade he has received at this site. I would rate this product a 10 if I could. All the things that the previous 21 reviewers said is true. It is transparent, increadibly well built and you won't believe how well your system will sound.

Current System:
ELAD
nOrh 7.0 speakers, nOrh subwoofers
nOrh multi-amp
AH! Tjoeb CD player
nOrh is at www.norh.com

A shout out to Vadim from chicago several reviewers below:
Thanks to you I went to the Mapleshade website and bought 11 CD's on March 1, today I bought 8 more. Thanks

Similar Products Used:

Only high end receivers Pioneer Elite VSX-27TX, Nakamichi AV 10

Quality construction;personal customer service; enjoyable sonic performance.

No balanced inputs or outputs for those who need this.

Vastly different presentation of the "soundstage" compared to the KRC-3; a real surprise! My setup and equipment using the ELAD seems to place me much closer to the musicians thus it emulates a live performance; I feel as if I am a few rows away from the stage. If you enjoy this type of presentaion then I highly recommend you buy this product.

Sonically it is clear and not harsh in any manner, thus it is enjoyable.

The performance to price is a definite plus as well as the great personal customer attention and support by the designer, Don Morrison.

Similar Products Used:

KRC-3

Provides dead quiet background for incredible musical image.
Leap of faith fullfilled.

Leap of faith.

Read the other reviews it's all true. This review will be about what the ELAD did to my system. My system is comprised of an old higher end Denon CD player (DCD1700), Hafler Amp and speakers of which very few pair were made (studio monitors with a 10" aluminum woofer and two dome tweeters). I had always thought my speakers lacking slightly in bass and had considered adding a subwoofer for years. My aging Hafler pre-amp, 17 years old, was now belching noise at every knob turn. After looking at audio review and finding a Pre-amp that rated a perfect 5 from 28 reviewers I was intrigued. So I called Don. After talking to him for 30 minutes I decided to place my order and wait 9 weeks for my pre-amp to be built.

When it was finished I was notified and then did something I've never done. Send money to another country for an audio Item I've only heard about but never heard. Shortly after this I received a call from Don with my UPS shipping number. The unit arrived packed as described in other reviews and was placed in my system.

The first thing I noticed. Dead silence. With the CD player & amp on this preamp emits zero noise even with the volume controls all the way up. The second thing I would describe as excellent imaging and sound stage, when I asked my wife to comment she said "it sounds like the instruments are in the room". The third thing is I now have deep and tight bass even at low volume! I had to apologize to the speakers.

I have since had several occasions to talk with Don and he is the real deal. An intelligent and honest individual who definitely knows what he's doing.

I now have a new stereo and CD collection. I don't think the poorly recorded CD's sound worse, however the well recorded CD's sound so exceptional that the others sound worse by comparison.

The ELAD is one of the best deals I've ever gotten in audio (the other was the speakers, 17 years ago).

It is my opinion that there is nothing currently available that exhibits the ELAD's sonic qualities at any price.

Similar Products Used:

None (the ELAD replaced an aging Hafler Pre-amp)

The most transparent preamp available for any price.

Usually, a favorable review for an under $1000 product will end with words such as "a bargin for the money". Well, I would challenge anyone to produce a preamp as good as the ELAD for any amount of money.

No, I havn't heard all preamps in existance, but I have owned a high end store and had access to most all well known and respected products. It was the preamp from Don Morrison that I selected for my personal system.

There is very little to say about the sound of the ELAD except that it doesn't have a sound. It is designed to reproduce the recording with as little damage to the signal as possible...nothing added or subtracted.

It is surperbly quiet and extremely well made. No pops or other noises to test the durability of your amp or speakers.

The only possibly negative thing I can say about the ELAD is that it has no remote. This is not necessarily a bad thing if we want to prevent our evoulution into legless creatures.

As an added bonus, you get to know Don Morrison, one of the true good guys in audio. Don has been in this business for many years, so you know he will be around in the very, very rare event you will ever need repairs.

And if you think his preamp is great ( and it is), just wait 'till you hear his speakers!