Hello all!
Well, the next upgrade to my system come in today, an Audio Research LS-7 tube line-stage. Bought it from the original owner, about 500 hours on the current tube set. Unit looks immaculate, but the sound...
Installed it and have it running to my integrated, which I'm using as an amp for now. Even with that, the LS-7 (once warmed up!) threw a soundstage that wasn't just wider, but deeper front to back as well. That's what stood out the most...directionality and presence in depth. As far as how it sounded...there was definitely a greater sense of control, where tonality was better defined, where individual notes and sounds had a clarity I didn't hear before. 3 hours in and I love it...and so do my 3.5's!!!
Now, I need a matching tube amp and phono stage!!! Ahhh, this isn't a hobby...it's an obsession!!!
Enjoy the music, everyone!