Preamp better than Cortese?

Thanks Brian for clearing-up the recall issue with the "incorrect" Cortese. This confirms my opinion that Mick is serious about providing a high quality product, and is striving to improve his designs and internal components.

Good for Mick! Small manufacturers need to be mindful of their reputations, and the damage one or two bad products can cause to them if allowed to make their way through the audio community. I just wish I would have had the chance to hear a good one. Thanks for the info on the other pres, Tbg. Is there a website for these things?

I was the next person in line to own the
"Gold Knobbed Chardonnay".
To make along story short: At Micks request, I sent the unit back for replacement.After receiving and finding it to be in excellent condition cosmetically, I was given the option of 1)replacement with a new Chardonnay at no cost. 2)upgrade to a new Sarah-I pay the difference. 3)or take back the original unit unit of which he had removed all the components and rebuilt from scratch into a - Cortese Line Stage. This also included replacing entire seperate power supply unit with a new one.
The Cortese is everything and more than I had hoped for.
This transaction took place over a considerable amount of time and I did pay shipping both ways, but considering the outcome, I couldn't be happier.
As far as I am concerned, Mick has given new meaning to the concept of Customer Service.
More than satisfied.

I am looking into the Cortese too.

Anyone know how it would stack up against BAT 50SE, ARC LS 25, etc.?

My system:

Wadia 861-->Avantgarde Solos.

Thanks,

KeithR