@sns @soix thanks for the reply. At the time typing this reply, I just finished listening for 2 hrs with my digital rig. I think the main determining factor is, am I satisfied with the digital rig now. I think I am pretty satisfied. The music is just flowing in the room. It is very live like. This is the strength of the CSLS and confirmed by many others in various posts. So, my initial question is a very demanding one. I want a preamp not just can match the CSLS in liveliness, but also added with tonal density, even with a great MC phono stage. Even I feel I am too greedy in asking that, LoL.
@sns Actually, my friend suggested me to buy the Modwright ph9. I also listen to it. Similar to the LS100, it has quite heavy tonal density which seems to match well with the CSLS. I am using an Allnic 1202, while it has excellent review, I feel it is missing the tonal density to match with the CSLS. On the other hand, the 1202 match well with the Modwright LS100. So, synergy is the key, I think. I added a Schiit Loki mini+ EQ between the 1202 and CSLS and honestly, it sounds pretty good. Maybe I don’t have the golden ear as my audiophile friends. They make it sounds like a sin to use EQ in the system, LoL.
Can you share more on your thoughts on this Modwright PH9 + CSLS combo?
BTW, other components in my modest vinyl rig are:
SOTA table
Denon DL-H5LC MC cart
SAEC 380 tone arm
Audio Note Kit interstage 300B monoblocks
JBL 4341