RLD-1 Are you experienced?


I recently purchased a McCormack RLD-1 & DNA-1. My previous set up was a Musical Fidelity CD-PRE24 and Adcom GFA-555 with B&W CDM9NT's & Velodyne FSX-12. When I swapped in the RLD-1 WOW! Even with the Adcom! The DNA-1 was not quite as dramatic an improvement to my ears (good power cord should help). This makes me wonder! Could I still get a decent return on preamp investment? SMCaudio upgrade or put it in the bedroom with the Adcom and move on? Max upgade & used RLD-1 = +/- $2400 (no phono).

Some things I love about RLD-1:(from my limited perspective)

sounds more believable at a lower apparent volumes and you can push the volume pretty hard before it starts to fall apart
effortless presentation - never seems strained
soundstage/imaging quite good
bottom end extended and tighter
mids smooth and lifelike
top end good detail but not too crispy
involves me
and how 'bout that volume contol

Any thoughts?

Thanks oh so much!
dueler
Well Rwwear, don't want to hijack the thread completely (me, that is - you came on here only to interject this pronouncement), and besides the conversation has been had so many times before it's simply boring. "I don't doubt that if I or anyone else wants to hear a difference, they can." I always stipulate to that, and strive to account for the effect when evaluating gear, but the reverse can also hold equally true. I'll just note that it does seem likely from your comments that you haven't personally tried comparitively auditioning aftermarket power cords, and leave it at that.
OK Zaikesman, but I used to work for a company that made them. So, I have tried them in other systems as well as mine.
Nobody suggests a different brand of pre. A platinum modded rld-1 is about a $2500 pre. Is there really nothing better for the price?
That seems to be the consensus of (McCormack-upgraded gear) owners. I just shipped my RLD-1 off to Steve yesterday, and time is d r a g g i n g now as I anxiously await its return!