Lean sound. What's the cause?

My take would be that the McCormack MAP-1 is the culprit. It is a multi-channel preamp, I gave up on multi-channel preamps years ago. I owned some of 'the best', Levinson, Krell, Classe, etc., but I found that I could get a much better sonic performance from even a lower cost stereo preamp.

If you must integrate HT with your stereo system, my reco would be to buy a stereo preamp w/ a HT throughput. If HT isn't an issue, just dump the MAP-1 and get a freaking stereo preamp.

Cheers,
John

Thanks for the response John. I do have a slight suspicion on the performance of MAP-1, but I'm going to give it benefit of doubt due to the lack of evidence. However I am looking at two channel tube preamps in case I need to replace McCormack. The preamps I'm considering are BAT, VTL, and Conrad Johnson. Do you have experience with any of them? Particularly I'm interested in VTL TL-5.5, C-J Premier 17LS2, C-J CT6, and BAT VK-31SE. I understand that there are two different ways HT bypass is done. I need a preamp capable of providing unity gain of selected source on the shared output, not the ones that provide separate set of HT bypass outputs. Comments appreciated.

Any of your choices would help to eliminate the 'leanness' of the MAP1. I have owned the CJ Premier 16LS2, VAC Renassiance mk II, BAT VK-31/50/51SE, but I have not heard a more modern VTL preamp. These are all very different, IMHO, but all would help negate the 'leanness' that you now hear. The CJ is rich, warm, sweet, but not very dynamic. The BAT is warm and dynamic, but not really sweet (compared to CJ and VAC, but sweeter than McCormack).
The VAC Renassiance mk II, and the Standard preamp are more extended and airy in the high's than either the BAT or the CJ. The VAC is also sweet in the midrange, yet does not have the power or authority in the bass that the BAT has.

So you have some decisions to make. Yes, all of these choices will eliminate the 'leanness' of your MAP-1, but do you also want more power and slam? (BAT), The sweetest midrange? (CJ), or the most extended, airest high's? (VAC).

You pays your money.....you makes your choices. FWIW, I've often been drawn to mostly VAC and BAT gear. Though I've owned mostly BAT gear, I'm currently living very happily with VAC gear.

Cheers,
John

BAT sounds closer to solid state than tube, it could sound lean with the ML335 also. I suggest you look into Audio Research SP-16 or LS-25 (the original, not MK2), either one will be good match for the 335.

Coincidence ! I've tried in my system many preamps a few months ago. Calypso, VTL 5.5, ARC 17LS. Ended up with a VAC Standard LE because availability of one unit in mint condition at a bargtain price near my location. A little bright, forward playing and very dynamic unit. With tube rolling, got it to play to my tune. Replaced it by a Premier 16 LS2 recently only because of the ridiculous price I paid for the latter. You're dead on about its signature though, so I still keep the VAC in case of. But.......

In all the trials I have done, the one unit that impressed me the most for its overall qualities is the VTL 5.5. A very nice mix of warmth and dynamics. Its like listening to a CJ with more punch. I wondered if it is because of the double mono configuration. Could enjoy my soft jazz as much as rock on this thing. I tested it for about six hours in two listening periods. The pleasure of trying several albums on it made me forget to assess its soundstage quality though.