Dude TRL vs Red Wine Isabella vs Dodd

I assume you've read the reviews for RWA Isabella? I own one and can't say enough good about it. Off-the-grid (battery operation) has to be heard to fully appreciate.

I've owned many units over the years, but moving to RWA has finally stopped my craving for something better. When friends who've heard my system describe it to others they use words like you felt like you could reach out and touch the musicians. I've heard $200K+ systems that were not as real or natural as what I hear.

My opinion is you never really know what you've got 'till you hear it in your room. Do the web research. Try to get down to a couple contenders. Then -- assuming they have 100% money back guarantee -- try the finalist in your home and your system.

You did not mention it, but the Isabella has optional upgrades to include a very nice DAC and a headphone stage. Making for an even better value if you need these.

BTW: I use mine with RWA Sig 30.2 straight amp and Omega Super 6 Single drivers with Omega DeepHemp sub.

Good luck with your search. Kent

I think I can't go wrong with any of these preamps.They are priced about the same and have fantastic reviews from owners.I have heard Red Wine Isabella with Almarro monos and it was superb,I loved it.I just don't know if amps like 70.2 or Almarro will be enough for my Tannoys.Dude TRL and their Samson amps are probably one of the best,if I trust Grannyring who reviwed his Samson's at http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ramps&1229800875 .It really comes down to which amp I will be using and then decide.Dude TRL preamp does not have a remote control.I think I can use any of those preamps with Samson monoblocks with no problem.They have 300w/8ohm which is a lot of power and will handle my huge 15' Tannoy drivers.So I am really thinking to get them with either preamp.What are your thoughts?Only Red Wine has a distribution here.On the other hand Audio Horizon have 30days return policy so if I don't like it I can send it back and Dude TRL seem like they don't realy care much because they don't even have specs about their gear on their website,I wonder how they can survive if they don't advertise anywhere and have no dealers where customers can hear their product?Do they count on people who own their gear and then spread out their words to the world?They are really confident to be able to do this.My thought ,TRL must be very good!!!I am very confused,I don't have enough money to try all 3 preamps and I am residing in Europe anyway.One thing Red Wine is probably the best bet,I have heard it and it was really good.I can try other preamps later.What are your suggestions?

If you have already heard the RWA and know you like it I think you have your answer. I agree it should match up well with the Samsons.

TRL is a leap of faith but you will be rewarded. Grannyring's review of the Samson's is spot on. Also, read the review of the Dude preamp by Agear.

Being that you are in Europe makes this tougher, but FWIW TRL's customer base for their uber watt tube amps included many customers located in Japan.

I kind of remember the contents of a thread here about problems with TRL . Something about moving to another country (Italy ?) and not doing much buisness . Got to agree , his equipment has a pretty good reputation .

Just a thought .

My two cents: the TRL Dude is to die for. Yes, the TRL guys are confident and rely to some degree on word of mouth. To me, that is the ultimate indicator of performance....not neatly packaged data on a slick website. I also own Intuitive Design gear and Dale's philosophy is the same. I would engage Bill/Grannyring in regards to the Dude/Samson synergy. The sum is more than the parts....