Dodd preamp vs. McCormack RLD-1 preamp

Guys, yes the Amperex BugleBoy has a cartooned bugle-playing character etched on the glass (orange colored). Try reading "Joe's tube lore" on audioasylum to get good info on the many 6922/6dj8s etc.

FWIW, I agree the BugleBoys are nice but a tad warm, but not as warm as Mullards. The Siemens, as well as Telefunkens are more on the transparent, cool, side.

Some preamps will highlight these differences more than others. For example, my CAT pre sounded dramatically difference w/each tube change. Cheers,
Spencer

Then I'm ptetty sure mine are not "Bugle Boy" as I think these were made prior to the Bugle Boy marketing campaign. I think Andy said they were from 1958 they year Amperex introduced the 6dj8 to the market.

I took them out and looked at them and they are the earliest version with just Amperex EC88 written on them with "Made in Holland" labeling. They predate the Bugle Boy production run from early 1958. I have no idea if they are the "best of the best", but they sure do sound very musical and three-dimensional. I've ordered some Ameperex Orange Globe 6dj8 "A-Frame" that others have also recommended. I think some warmth in my pre serves my amp and speakers well. I also have an Atma-pre and amp and I tend to prefer the RCA 12au7 Blackgates in the pre to Siemens 5814 - another case where I prefer a bit of warmth to absolute linear sound.

I recently went to audition Isabella/Isabellina at a friend's home. I would agree that the Isabella/Isabellina is 'warmer' than Dodd battery preamp. The difference between the two are not subtle.

I think if you already own a Dodd and feel that your sound is too bright, then you may want to try Isabella. Vice versa, if you own Isabella and think that the sound is too 'thick' and 'slow', you may want to try a Dodd.

I will leave it at that. Neither is better, is all about the "elusive' system synergy.

The rest of the system please as well as your friend's preferences & tubes used........we all have one and choice of tubes is also important to paint the whole picture.
As to your comparison between the two...in short - yes, RWA is a bit warmer. Slow......? I am not sure what do you mean by it though. (I might have missed your point)
I made my own comparison useing the same components, speakers, wires and tubes in side by side face-off.
Differences between the two are not in fact small and I do agree that it is a matter of taste and component synergy.
Did you had a chance to evaluate the buid-in DAC as well?
Also ,how do you voice your own system, so I can better understand where you stand - preference wise?

Thanks
Mariusz