Hornshoppe "the Truth" preamp - any opinions?

I had a very fun time comparing two first class preamps. My modified Truth preamp vs Coincident Statement preamp. Both sound fantastic! I listened to both over some 10 hours. Here are the details of each unit.

Coincident Statement Line-stage: Upgraded Psvane WE tubes, SR Black fuse.

The Truth - SR Black fuse, separate chassis dual linear power supply for the +/- 15vdc. The dual LPS powers each buffer board separately. I used a nice over-spec’d RCore tranny. All internal wire and umbilical cord made with Duelund tinned and stranded copper wire. Upgraded Vampire RCA jacks. All 8 caps on the buffer boards upgraded to Audio Note Kaisei. Soundcoat dampening in both chassis units.

I find my upgraded Truth superior to stock after carefully listening step by step along the upgrade path. I did not do it all at once. The upgraded unit is simply better sounding in every sonic parameter important to me. Purity, natural tone, dynamics, stage size, ease and control when turned up, bass impact as well as mid-bass weight and body.

The Coincident preamp is a wonderful sounding preamp. It took me by surprise the first few hours as I did not expect this level of greatness. It is so beautiful sounding with a delicate airy sound that at the same time is dynamic and lively. Tone is spot on and the weight and body from the lower bass to mids was intoxicating even at lower to moderate listening levels. Notes seemed to hang on forever in a good way. I love this preamp! I did not want to take it out of my system. Easily one of the very best preamps I have ever heard. It reminded me of how important a preamp is to a great system. It just pulls it all together.

My Truth preamp was slightly different sounding, but just as enjoyable. The Truth had faster and better defined bass. The tone and purity were perhaps a tad better than the Coincident. It was close however. The Truth is certainly quieter both operationally and musically. It has a spooky absence of noise one doesn’t realize is there with other preamps. The Coincident served up more mid bass weight and body that I found quite satisfying. I do know The Truth imparted less coloration here, but I have to admit l liked this coloration!

I had a moderate ground loop hum that I could not remedy with the Coincident that was certainly annoying. Too bad really. I also found the volume knobs clunky feeling and lacking in the ability to fine tune volume level. Needs more steps! I think the attenuator system was improved in the latest version. Love to hear one of these!

Which one did I prefer? Both! I love both. I will keep my Truth and not buy Coincident for reasons of practicality. I play music 10-12 hours per day and tubes may not be the best option. I was reminded of the often times finicky or fussy nature of tube gear with the ground loop hum that I found annoying. The Truth is as quiet as a mouse. The Truth is just easier on my ears.  Very hard to put this in words folks. Music sounds less forced and just “happens” before you with my Truth. My Truth sounds so good that I can’t let it go, but if I cheated on her it would be with the Coincident Statement!

Bill, thanks  for your careful A/B of my Coincident CSL with your Truth.   A couple of comments for those trying to decide between these two fine choices.  In my system, I am not currently hearing any ground loop issues.   The Coincident is driving my Atma-Sphere M-60 amps via 10 M balanced ICs. Anyone who is looking for a great pre that will drive long ICs would do well to consider the CSL.  I did have a ground loop issues when the Coincident CSL was driving Coincident Frankenstein amps, but engaging the ground lift switches on the amps largely eliminated the issue.  I have a feeling the CSL behaves better using balanced in and balanced out than with single ended. Getting the most out of the CSL is all about the tubes.  The Psvane WE replicas really elevate the performance of this preamp.  It is a completely different beast with these tubes vs the Psvane Hi-Fi or Shuguang tubes.   The volume controls are indeed clunky.  One should expect better for a piece in this price range.  I may send mine back for the upgrade to MK II.   There are times when a finer gradation between steps would be nice.  As far as tube life, I got about 4 years out of my first set of WE's.  I bought my current set from Coincident.  Mr. Blume selects tubes that match the demands of the CSL, which he claims extends the expected lifetime.  

Bill I have to think the Coincident Statement Pre with the Coincident Frank amps would be heaven! I should also add the build quality of the Coincident gear is high.  The point to point wiring is laid out superbly on both the amps and preamp.  Why did I get a ground loop? Goodness who knows.  

The CSL with the Franks can be very good when paired with a very high efficiency speaker.  I really enjoyed them paired with my 94dB efficient Coincident Triumph Extreme II monitors, especially with the Elrog 300B tubes which unfortunately don't hold up to the demands of the Franks.   But honestly, I enjoy the CSL paired with my Atma-Sphere M-60's just as much, maybe more, and 60WPC with low distortion just works better with anything but the most efficient speakers.   The Franks just couldn't drive my 92.5 dB efficient Coincident Super Victory II's.  Too much distortion, and I don't typically listen at high levels. 

Hi Bill,
Thank you for taking the time to post your clear and detailed listening impressions of what are excellent line stages via your home audio system. The stock Truth line stage has received universal praise so I can only imagine how wonderful your upgraded/modified Truth must sound. Bill I bet your system sounds fantastic!

In my very humble opinion I summit that both of these line stages are genuinely world class components that really can compete with any top tier line stages regardless of price. You could place either of these two into audio systems of high pedigree and they would hold there own. When a product is capable of achieving superb purity, tone and dynamics it’s very unlikely for it to embarrassed by any competing component. Certainly one may prefer another line stage but the Truth or the Coincident will not be outclassed.

I was one of the very early (October 2009) buyers of the Coincident Statement Line Stage . Over 10 years later I’m probably even more happy and impressed with its sound quality mated to my 10 year old (September 2009) Frankenstein MK II mono blocks. The latest version of these 2 components are most likely even better. That’s fine but i’m staying put 😊.

To the other Bill (brownsfan) Yep, you must have the proper speaker match, no getting around that fact. The older Coincident Eclipse lne of speakers were an easier load than your current Victory speakers. I’m very familiar Atma-sphere MA1 mono blocks and no doubt the CSL would pair with Atma-sphere amplifiers  in splendid fashion.