Preamplifiers

I have a serious love/hate relationship with preamplifiers.  Many times over the years I have removed them from systems with completely beneficial results.  Just as often I have inserted high quality preamps into systems and have found that the system just came to life - began breathing and singing and dancing. 

I have noticed a trend in this behavior, a trend that is not completely without error, but a trend, nonetheless.  That trend is that a front end source component that is from a mainstream manufacturer can often have difficulty driving an amplifier directly.   Their low current output stages struggle with even a moderate load.  It is in these instances that a preamp actually serves more as a buffer stage with level control.   I therefore design all of my preamps to have a very high input impedance and excessive drive capabilities. 

I recommend every music lover out there listen to a magnetic based passive volume control in their system.  Excellent units are available from Intact Audio and Bent Audio, among many others.  If these units mate well to your system, then congratulations, sell that line stage and don't look back.  If not, then look into a line stage that is easy to drive and will really provide drive to your amplifiers.   

The Line Stage

This is the apex of my easy to drive/will drive anything preamplifier design.  It uses a very trick output stage that actually maximizes drive at all volume levels.  And of course it uses a directly heated triode for their big, effortless, and musical sound...

Bruce's Grooves

LCR Phono...

Yes, this is a real LCR RIAA phono stage.  Even in Japan this circuit topology is talked about in a reverent tone and yet very rarely seen.  Unfortunately, the "L" in the LCR is extremely difficult to wind, and therefore rather expensive, but the life that results from omitting very large value resistors from the circuit is nothing short of a revelation.  This phono uses only two single triodes per channel and, of course, no feedback, to truly reveal what is hiding in your grooves... an analog purist's delight!

Kevin's 10Y DHT

Kevin and I combined forces on this striking DHT line stage.  Kevin is a very accomplished builder and I love the results of our teamwork. The type 10 is legendary for good reason.