Looking for an incredibly dynamic preamplifier

Easily the most dynamic preamp I've heard so far -- it was recently and I wasn't expecting it -- is the Audiopax Model 5.

Really explosive, with slam, subterranean bass with transient discipline, and startling in the way it projects leading edge attack into the room. It also has both high gain and moderate gain outputs, so it will adapt to just about any system.

Also, you have to take a little time to understand and adjust the TimbreLock system, which in the preamp's case requires you to dial in the right gain and volume settings (using the L/R gain controls to find the sweet spot relative to your power amp) and then master volume for loudness.

This thing nails it. You get remote.

Phil

So many choices, and none of them available locally.

Exlibris; i have had a number of SOTA preamps in my system over the years. none do dynamics anywhere near what the darTZeel preamp does in battery mode. this thing is literally 'alive'. it's like the music had been 'chained down' and it is suddenly released. even though the macro-dynamics are impressive; it's more the micro-dynamic effortlessness that is sooo addicting.

your MBL speakers are already so dynamic; it boggles the mind to imagine what the dart pre could do with those speakers.

what i can't tell you at this time is to what degree the interface and synergy with the darTZeel amps have to do with it. my SWAG is that the dart pre will still be as dynamic with other cables and amps.

of course; dynamics are only one of the amazing aspects to the dart pre.

Thanks Mike. I'll keep the DarTZeel on my ever-growing list.
I have to say, however, that the price tag is a killer.

Exlibris; yes, the price is fairly steep. but when you consider it includes a world class (and maybe world best) phono stage (it doesn't need cables between the phono and pre), you don't need an expensive power cord or any power conditioning (for both the pre and phono), and 'if' you use darTZeel amps you get better than excellent cables relatively cheap.......it actually is a great value. it also includes remote volume control and mute which many/most of the other very best pre's (including most of the one's mentioned above) don't have......which is a 'deal-breaker' for many people.

try buying those items separately......and.......based on my experience so far......there may not be another way to get this performance at any price.

sorry if i sound like Ron Popeil......the dart does not do vegtables......and there are no 'Ginzu' knives.

;^)