The future of preamps

OK, George and Knghifi- Point taken. I've got nothing to add technically to this discussion so I will retreat to the sidelines and lurk silently.

Audiolabyrinth,
You've had some unfortunate experiences with audio components. I wish you the best and hope this time around you have a sucessful outcome. I do hope you're able to hear the Atma-Sphere MP-1, you'll like it I'm certain.
Regards,
Charles,

THis thread is a good example of why so few people are interested in high end audio, even if they love music and can afford it.

PEople just want their stuff to work and sound good, especially when making a sizable investment. Not be required to have a degree in EE in order to be able to cut through all the noise and be criticized when things go bad for whatever reason.

However hard it may be to figure out what works when things are going as they should, it pales in comparison to understanding why things break or malfunction or do not perform as advertised. All the facts needed to make such determinations are usually not known or apparent. That's why it's called an "accident".

Also why there is no substitute for good customer service, especially in an expensive hobby like this, and why no product can be successful over teh long term without it.

@ charles1dad, Thankyou for your kind words, I look forward to listening to a atmasphere m-1 preamp and the other models down the preamp chain Ralph has, cheers.

Keith is a good ol' hospitable southern boy filled with passion and exuberance for our hobby. He and I have enjoyed many phone conversations so I attest to my statement. Keith, at some point you have to throw caution to the wind and trust the higher powers here. I am all for your soon to be realized audio success and fulfillment.