Mapletree Audio versus Decware preamps

Got it - 8 hours so far. Wow, really a wonderful piece of equipment for $800. Most recently had CAT, Joule, and Lamm active tube stages - I can tell you that if you don't have that kind of money to spend, Dr. Peppard has definitely given audiophiles a gift by offering this well thought out two-box preamp. Does one need better than this? I'm not so sure. Match this up with a Music Reference RM10 MKII ($1,950) and sit back and relax, these (especially the RM10) are both great pieces.

Pub, after you listen a little more could you give some thoughts on how the Mapletree compares to other preamps you've had? Thanks

Hi Rudge. Not sure I will be able to do a meaningful comparison since I have not had any of those preamps in my system for quite some while, even the Joule is at least six months or longer. I will be A/B the Lightspeed Attenuator with the Mapletree, I can only say that I prefered the LSA to the Joule which had been my favourite tube preamp (over the CAT, ARC, and Lamm). I will say that for $800 (I got the blackgate capacitor option)this is one heck of a good sounding preamp in my system (using EMM Labs, Music Reference RM9 Special Edition amp, and Merlin VSMs. So my opnion is that for $800 you can buy one heck of a fine preamp that plays very well with much higher $$$ components - this preamp is good on any scale, but simply tremendous value and lets audiophile with limited budgets buy into true high-end gear without the prices some think you need to pay.

Pubul thanks for your response. I appreciate it.

Rolled in RCA 12SN7s and 6X5s - The more time I spend with the 2A SE, the more appreciate what a fine sounding piece of gear it is. Not sure how the Mapletree might compare with the Decware - but I suggest you A/B this piece with much more expensive stuff, see what you think - I'm enjoying my system every bit as much with this preamp in my system - I don't know, maybe I'm just getting less critical as I simply sit back and enjoy the music.