Hovland-Pre,anyone heard it ?

Heard it, bought it. Again, with the comparisons being so subjective based on equipment and tastes, you need to get one of these in to kick the tires and twist the knobs. Mike, from the Audio Outlet worked with me and everything was great. The bass: my experience on the Maggie 1.6's driven by VTL MB250's is that it doesn't bring out the deepest bass but the bass that it does bring is amazing in my opinion. That from having drums seeming to be beaten in front of your own eyes. The skins, the resonance, and the roundness and size of the drum defined. While not as holographic as I have had in the past, it is more natural sounding. Piano has always been a big hangup for me and the Hovland is sure satisfying that area for me like I have never heard. Mine is a linestage being fed from a Levinson #39 CD Processor,

Heard the Hovland yesterday, along with their new amp. Quite impressive, especially the pre-amp; the amp is rated at 40W. and seems to portray a good stage but is a little sterile.
In comparison to my CAT sig, I think the Hovland has it all over on looks. It does seem a little less dynamic and the bass is a tad week. Still a great preamp, but not as wonderful as I was hoping for given the sterling reviews.For now my CAT stays in the system.

Just forgot to mention the what the Audible Illusions did in there days,for the money????

If you do not own it,just keep wishing you could own one of the best preamps,like all of the front runners of there time.This preamp is something special.Go out,and take your current preamp with you,If you do not hear the magic,do not buy!!