New preamps making new claims.

If you examine the product history of companies that have been in the business for a significant amount of time you will see numerous changes is design philosophy and many "dead end" product lines.

This is exactly what NOT to look for in a company - what are the chances that this years model happens to be a keeper? Successful products with substantial advantages often have a much longer life span - some lasting 20+ years. If you can find a product that is still being produced (substantially unchanged) and is desirable 5 to 10 years after its initial launch then go for it.

Today's latest and greatest mostly ends up on the "dead end" junk pile.

Buconero117,
Agree, let the three automakers disappear.
They are too arrogant to even consider the customer comes first. If Japan can make such good cars there is no excuse.

As for preamps, I still remember that MBL demo at the show and it is obvious that every component played a significant role to create that life-like sound.
If I had the money I would own that system. But since I don't, I am hoping to achieve that sound for less.

Looks towards the power supply. This is where improvements in sound can be massive. My TRL Dude preamp has a newly designed power supply that is amazing and brings so much more music to the sound party.

The power supply is where innovation brings real improvement.

I am now moving up to TRL mono amps based 100% on his newly designed power supply that will go into his amps.

Bill

Buconero117, yes the local honda dealer has told me that folks will purchase the Fit over the phone when he has them in stock.

With regard to the preamp question, I was so disappointed with recent preamps (and problems with some older ones) that I'm driving my amp directly from my Dac1. Unless you really want a tube preamp (thought I did) some Dacs like the Dac1 are designed to do this.

I have had the chance to compare newer against older preamps from two companies.
ARC ref.3 vs. ref 2 MKII
Ayre K-1XE vs. kxr
In both cases the newer models were more transparent, detailed, better extention both top and bottom, all without loosing the musical sound that keeps you in your chair. So from the ones I have heard the newer preamps are getting better.
I have heard the new BAT VK-32SE also and owned the VK-31SE and feel the BAT is better too. But I have not heard the BATs side by side.
Also all three were quieter, mainly the ARC.