Music Reference RM9 and Preamp Experiences

I use the Music Reference RM-5 mK 3 with good results.I don't use the phono stage,so can't comment on that.The line stage is very good,have not heard many other preamps with this amp so can't comment.I am very happy with this one.

Pubul57, you might give the Herron Audio VSTP-3 tube preamp a listen. In my system, it is fantastic and Keith Herron is great to deal with.
Carter

Well since I started this thread, I've been through alot of preamps, and my favourite so far is the Lightspeed Attenuator which replaced the Joule LA-150 Signature Edition, and I prefer it to several other passives I have tried including TVCs and AVCs.

I've got a Music Reference RM5III and I find the phono stage is considerably more transparent than the line stage. It's line stage has great balance and musicality, but it's not the last word in transparency in my system. The phono stage however, is a real winner within the limits of it's 36db of gain. Of course, it's possible the RM5 mates in a more synergistic manner with Music Reference amps (and others) than it has with those amps I've used it with. As to Rogers insistence no preamp is the equal of a passive, I'd say that Roger has some closely held beliefs that seem to be primarily rooted in engineering logic rather than listening. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that most of us know engineering logic isn't always a guaranteed path beautiful sound. Audio reviews in print and on the web are replete with numerous tales of those who tried to follow the path to audio nirvana through the use of passive preamps and eventually found them unsatisfactory. For the modest outlay, the "pot in a box" isn't a big gamble to try though.

As I've gone down this path and spent countless hours (and $$$) listening I've slowly come to the conclusion that engineering logic like that exhibited by the likes of Roger Modjeski and Jack Elliano are right.

The idea of if it measures good it sounds good has some merit to it.

Of course we all hear differently and have our preferences so that's why our hobby and the industry that caters to it exists.

BTW - I own an RM-10 and Lightspeed and I have to say this combination is difficult to beat at it's price point and then some.