Dude TRL vs Red Wine Isabella vs Dodd


These are new contanders for my new preamp.Also thinking about Samson TRL monoblocks.Which one could be the best preamp?I don't need any special features except possibly remote and the best sound.
mikedimitrov
I wouldn't go so far as to say you could use the Samson's with any preamp, but from my experience I had no issues using different preamps and I don't see why a Dodd Audio or Red Wine Isabella wouldn't work. In fact, if your digital source has enough output, try a passive preamp. Some of the best sound I got was using the D-225 with a passive TVC (the Samson's are highly sensitive at about .8V and have higher gain than most amps). Then again I'm probably part of a very small minority that is a big fan of passive preamps. TRL can help you with a passive preamp as well to match the Samson's.

As for comparison to other amps. Well I think the biggest difference is the Samson's have the ability to play with "balls" or finesse based on your listening tastes. I've cranked up mine with no distortion issues and listened at the lowest levels late night and not missed a note. Rock, complex classical recordings, solo cello, chamber music, whatever you through at it the Samson's will handle it. My VAC amps I use now can crank it out, but at low level I do sense minor loss of dynamics and bass linearity. My Cary amp used to peter out too easily and was very colored. TRL will be very transparent. It will power your speakers with ease and run cool and efficiently in the process.
Clio09
I have heard D400 from Audio Research and it was adding bass and that is why I did not like it,then I heard some single ended triode tube amp and that was also too heavy on bass.Don't take me wrong,I like lots of bass but my Tannoys Canterbury have already lots of it so I need amplification with more details and clarity (more definition).At the same time I don't like too analytical presentation because then it is loosing a musicality.Also I like a lot of complex music like progressive rock,classic music and 70's rock and so I need my future amp to have PRAT(Pace rythm and timing)and I that is very important for me.Here I don't see people to talk about this feature in their amps.And many fine amps does not have this PRAT!Do you think Samson has that?
Sorry for my english,I am trying the best to explain what I am concerned about.
If you read Grannyring's review here on Audiogon I think you will find all the qualities you described in the amp. I certainly did with mine. The TRL house sound will draw you into the music. I wouldn't say it is bass heavy, but if you have never heard accurate bass reproduction before from an amp be prepared for a new experience with the Samson's. Of course your other components, including your room, need to be up to the task as well.