Elite Preamps--Electon Images, Messenger, Tube Res

Mes -- thanks for the update on the Messenger preamp. Thanks too for the EMM Labs heads-up but as it's for 6-channel and that isn't my need at the moment I'll forgoe this and look instead at preamps from Aesthetix Calypso, First Sound Presence Deluxe, Joule LA-150, and the Herron. Your choice from this list?!?

Brooksl -- thanks for the note on First Sound. I've heard many good things about the company and the man behind the company. Just wish there was a remote control for wife acceptace factor! My only concern is the large output impendance of 1700 ohms from the First Sound preamp -- does this pose a problem with the 100K ohm input of your VTL amp?

Kevin, if cost is secondary you really should consider the CTC Blowtorch - nope, I don't sell 'em, 'cause they're sold direct only, built to order - but I have one and wouldn't be without it, it's insanely great. If you're looking for something in a less stratopheric price range feel free to contact me offline and I'll be happy to offer a few suggestions. And if and when you're in the Chicago area, feel free to come by for a listen.

Brian Walsh

Kevin, I did not find it to be an issue. Emmanuel and I discussed the VTLs specs and he was not at all worried about the match.

Brian, wow. I didn't know you had a blowtorch. Are you running the CAT with it?

Hi Brooks...running JC-1s...a customer has borrowed them for a couple of days, and it's probably down to them or a pair of much more expensive amplifiers... Call me about the CAT, which should be quite a hoot as well...

Brian

Kevin,

Electron Images is owned by Mike Kerster, formally of Sonic Frontiers (SF Pre 3 design chief). He is now designing and manufacturing for Audio Note UK. He has designed and built I believe (four) Amati Preamps that are two piece state of the art tube preamps with MM/MC phonostage. It retails at $12K, but have seen one posted on the Gon for something like $5,500. The guy who bought that unit got a steal. This preamp does everything right, but takes alot (literally months) of break-in. It sounds analytical and dry prior to break in, but really opens up with time. I don't know if Mike is going to make anymore, but I would put mine up against any preamp built today. The only thing I don't particularly care about the Amati is the high gain. With my 18 WPC Audio Notes and 94db AN speakers, I can't crank up the dual mono volume controls too high. I'm actually using the MM phono with a MicroBenz MC (Reference) cart. Like I said, high gain!

Rob