Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc.

@lancelock Interesting to hear your perspective on the coda pre.  Doug at Coda is one of my favorite people in the audio world and I have no doubt that his pre is fantastic!  This coda TS is a powerhouse.  I think you have helped me make my decision.  There is something special about the LTA and your are right in your assessment of the speed and dynamics.  

There is a constellation pre for sale right now that is intriguing, but this is a forever hobby and for better or worse one has to stop and enjoy the music at some point.

@cshadow

I think a lot of us tried the DAC to amp experiment so do not feel alone. I used to discount the importance of the preamp and thought it was a place to save money. My current preamp costs as much if not a little more than my amplifier so yes, I clearly changed directions on this topic. My .02 is to put all you can into your pre and punch a little above your weight if possible. Cheers.

@phcollie  - Yeah - I hear you.  Went from loving integrateds, to thinking I was somehow ahead of the curve going Dac to power amp - LOL

Have a whole new respect for the Pre as a result.  It really is the heart of a good system.

@cshadow 

The MicroZOTL Preamp is superior sounding to the MZ3 and is a wonderful match with my Coda No 16 amp.

Sanders preamp

onkyo p-308

mcCormack LD-2