Since this thread continues to go in another direction than I intended I may as well roll with it. I like most have seen Kevin in his videos going back years. I’ve had one personal conversation with him regarding the Prologue Premium Preamp, and the original LTA Micro that he carried at the time. I figured since he sold both, and both were very well received in the press that I could get some clarification on each of their strengths and their weaknesses. He responded as if it was a ridiculous question, and that the Primaluna was clearly superior. I asked him why and he went on about how much his preamp weighs. I told him I wasn’t to concerned about their weight and that I was very open minded about there being different ways to get good sound. Also from the little I do understand about the LTA is that it’s key distinction is it is transformerless. I could imagine if you took the transformers out of the Primaluna and used a cheaper lighter chassis the two would probably be fairly close in weight. Then again I could be way off and I’m aware if this. I’m also aware I have no idea what makes a preamp sound good. Far as I know it has nothing to do with weight. I think a more appropriate response to my question would have been to explain why the Primaluna sounds better, and then if he felt it was needed to further explain how the weight of the Primaluna contributed to this.
Anyways, I guess my point is I was a bit turned off by his response and seemingly at times lack manners. I would already own or would have owned one if it weren’t for that conversation. I’ve realized over time though that it silly to not try something that truly speaks to me because one person with affiliation turned me off. I’ve also realized I can appreciate Kevin’s passion, and I do think that’s where most of his shortness comes from. At the same time I would have very much appreciated somebody who I felt truly wanted to educate me instead of whatever that was.
Also regarding integrated vs seperates, am I going to get more of the unique quality that tubes bring with seperates? Or are the improvements in more general areas, not just the ones associated with tubes. Really I just want more bloom and more of the feeling of listening to a performance, and not a stereo. Hopefully that makes since. I’m not very comfortable explaining what I’m hearing.