2 vs 8 tubes in preamp, sound difference?

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.

….well there are five or six reasons why Schitt is so GOOD for the ( your ) $. These are all things you can….read about from home… see the BOOK Schitt Happened by the founders Jason and Mike. I will summarize:

Good ears and extensive prior high end audio experience 

Solid cost effective designs w reasonable sheet metal cabinets, no billet

Circuit boards, point to point isn’t always better

SMD where it makes sense, surface mount devices enable some great pricing on precision discrete parts, automated pick n place and wave solder.

Volume, Volume, Volume

Direct sales model

Jim