2 vs 8 tubes in preamp, sound difference?

Why would more of any component be presumed to sound better?

Its possible for anything to be too simple to do its job. For example, if there is only a single tube in a line section, you might have a fairly high output impedance, which will be exacerbated by the output coupling capacitor (even higher output impedance at bass frequencies). This can have a big effect on your results in particular if you want to drive a particular solid state power amp or if you need to drive a longer interconnect cable.

OP…. “schiit is so good why are others sooooo expensive.”

Like in all things, there are budget brands that get it right and perform above the average. How do they do it… smart design, managing component cost, probably minimum marketing budget.

Why are others so expensive? Well first and foremost they sound a lot better… to do that it requires top quality components, design, reliability and you get better fit and finish, resale value etc. . High end audio is so addictive because “diminishing returns” doesn’t work in the same way as in many things. A really great system is like an instrument… the more sensitive one of the pieces, the better system sounds… the more sensitive it is to a smaller improvement, the perceived performance is much higher. 

@ghdprentice

you are a real gent, gently giving careful, proper explanations to the op

i personally am out of the patience with this particular one... if you look back at the history of posts, it is a cavalcade of the inane...

@jjss49 

Thank you. Yes, I know… I just like to think that one person can make a difference. Thank you for your kind words,.. it feels good.

So, tell me, how does one learn soo much about audiophiledom.  Seems its such a wide assortment of people so consumed with this hobby.  And so many r sooo challenged to understand it.  Some really mean spirited tirades and some very helping souls.

and then people move on. A cruel cruel world.