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February 20, 2009 - 2:05pm
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haroon
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SS Preamplifiers

Hats off to John Atkinson!

Thanks for the comparing Simaudio Moon Evolution P7 to Mark Levinson No.380S, Ayre KX-R and Parasound Halo JC 2. I am not nitpicking here but still the comparison was a tiny tiny bit incomplete.

Although I understand that no component is absolutely neutral especially when all components in a system interact with each other to impart a sound. Nonetheless, a reviewer of your experience can still identify the absolute character of each component by isolating the effect of other components by only changing one variable at a time.

From the review I got the impression that in absolute sense, Mark Levinson No.380S is little dark than absolute neutral, Parasound Halo JC 2 is little bright than absolute neutral and Simaudio Moon Evolution P7 hangs in between but leaning more toward JC 2. What is the absolute neutral for preamplifier for you? Your memory of live recordings that you did or another preamplifier (say Ayre KX-R for which you gave an impression that it was another class)?

Regards

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February 20, 2009 - 4:21pm
Editor
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Re: SS Preamplifiers


Quote:
Hats off to John Atkinson!

Thank you.


Quote:
From the review I got the impression that in absolute sense, Mark Levinson No.380S is little dark than absolute neutral, Parasound Halo JC 2 is little bright than absolute neutral and Simaudio Moon Evolution P7 hangs in between but leaning more toward JC 2.

That's correct, but I could live with each of these 3 line preamps.


Quote:
What is the absolute neutral for preamplifier for you? Your memory of live recordings that you did or another preamplifier (say Ayre KX-R for which you gave an impression that it was another class)?

Yes, the Ayre KX-R combines the best aspects of each of these preamps, though it is significantly more expensive, of course. What astonished me about the Ayre was that it sounded better than a straightwire bypass!!!!

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

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February 20, 2009 - 4:51pm
dcstep
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Re: SS Preamplifiers

Don't forget brands that Stereophile is unlikely to review, like Rowland's Capri preamp. Stereophile's coverage give limited to no exposure to some brands like Rowland, Playback Designs, etc.

If you're going to buy without listening, then, by all means, rely on Stereophile. They're one of the best overall sources, but if you've got ears and listen for yourself, then expand your horizons.

Dave

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February 23, 2009 - 6:00pm
ncdrawl
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Re: SS Preamplifiers

Amen...nothing I own has been in stereophile, and I couldnt be happier. stereophile covers a very, very small portion of what is out there...


Quote:
Don't forget brands that Stereophile is unlikely to review, like Rowland's Capri preamp. Stereophile's coverage give limited to no exposure to some brands like Rowland, Playback Designs, etc.

If you're going to buy without listening, then, by all means, rely on Stereophile. They're one of the best overall sources, but if you've got ears and listen for yourself, then expand your horizons.

Dave

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