RWA amp with DODD preamp both battery powered

It seems like you guys are playing a very save game with brands that are widely available and popular. Well, I have RWA and DODD home, along with some awesome monitors that go down to 30Hz. But I am not telling how it sounds. Good luck with your systems.

:) :)

Mrjstark,

I'm sure the RWA 30.2 sounds great with the Dodd preamp, congrats! I was highly considering the Dodd pre, but Vinnie at RWA is close to releasing the RWA Isabella and it is also a tubed preamp on SLA battery power and there is an option for a NOS dac built-in. I have talked to Vinnie about his preamp design and I know he is voicing it to be very special with the RWA amps so I just have to be a little patient. Vinnie sounds very confident that he has something pretty magical with his Isabella design and based on how much I enjoy my 30.2, I trust him 100%. Can't wait to order one when it is ready!

Maybe you can "borrow" the Isabella on a 30 day trial and put it up against your Dodd and let us know :-)

-Jeff

Jeff that would indeed be very interesting comparison.
When I ordered my Dood , Isabella wasn't in production yet.
There is a price difference that is quite a bit - at least for me. I bought my Dodd for $2495 new - directly from Dodd but through awesome Walter from Underwood. Gave up my Granite Audio as a trade-in. Isabella looks great and I am sure it will sound as good as the rest of RWA products. If someone owns one - sure, come over for a shoot-out. A little get together for few audiophiles is always welcome in my house. I will setup my second system (temporarily) today with superb monitors that I bought on Friday and I am hoping it will turn heads.

Cheers
Mariusz

Mrjstark, I would be interested in your initial impressions of the Dodd. I also ordered one from Walter and should have it shortly. I will be using mine with a pair of VAC Auricle 70/70 monoblocs that are also in route. I strongly considered the 30.2, but was afraid that it wouldn't mate well with my current speakers. However, I certainly hope to try RWA amps one day.

thanks

In short (after few hours) - I really think that I am done........three preamps bought this year , another one on the loan and I belive this preamp is a keeper. I don't want to say how it sounds.....yet, but I am very, very glad I took that chance. You won't regret it .....neither do I. Finaly.....it is done........I mean the search. I am going to swap the JJs for some nice Ampx 6922 or even better....7308 Amperex PQ USA. The only problem is getting these 7308s at reasonable price. I have called my sources but one has few military versions which I am not sure about and the other went .....nuts. Anyway, it should respond very well to tube rolling. Besides , there is only two to worry about and it would have make sense to invest in the best tubes out there.

If I find some time I will say some more about its sound and overall feel and finish.

P.S
Dodd goes very well with Red Wine..........Audio of course.
Cheers