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Tube Research Labs Latest Dude Preamp

For those members following a recently closed thread about my TRL wows, I have an update. The manufacturer has contacted me and offered to replace my first generation unit with their latest and greatest unit free of charge. I spoke with Paul today and we have agreed on a framework to get this done.

This is an extremely generous gesture as the new model is radically different and more expensive then the generation it’s replacing. We had an interesting conversation about the new units fully balanced design that Paul feels will be a much better fit for my particular needs.

I was not expecting anything like this. They really have stepped up in a big way. Keep you all posted on the situation and hope to have some specifics on the new architecture and features soon.
cdente
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,600 posts
 
Only Paul can answer that for you. He does lots of custom stuff with the Dude but I have not seen one with remote.

Ask him. He feels they degrade sound, but I have heard him talk about a separate outboard motor etc to power a remote. Not sure if he has ever made one this way however.

Mine sounds so good I would walk into another room to change volume if I had to:-)
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,600 posts
 
Dracule 1

Paul's designed a 45 step volume control made by Shallco that sounds better then any remote based volume. It really does and if sound is #1, then a remote is still not the best option for sound.

If a remote is a must, then find the best one/preamp you can and that will be fine for you also.
cdente OP
111 posts
 
Got my replacement Dude last week. It’s been a long but worthwhile wait. I have already spoken with Paul to thank him for not only replacing the unit but for working with me to provide the best possible configuration for my needs.

I really can't say enough positive things to describe how Paul handled this matter. Bottom line I was treated as if a new customer - and that says a lot given the status of my relationship with this company.

All previous documented issues around build quality and noise floor have been addressed. I gotta tell you this new balanced Dude is amazing. Yes it has many of the same wonderful characteristics as my previous generation Dude but its just dead quiet. The noise floor on this thing is so low all aspects of sound quality is bettered by a considerable margin.

It is however much better in terms of its neutrality and realism - something I thought not possible. The finesse and easy by which it reproduces music is simply stunning.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,600 posts
 
Charlie,

I have also found the same exact improvements with my new Dude in terms of sound. It betters the old Dude in clarity, transparency and it is also dead quite. Love it.

I am glad you like your new preamp and thanks for posting.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Cdente, glad everything worked out for all parties.

From my experiences (MANY MANY purchases) with Paul, he's one of the good guys in the business. Everything he builds are competitive with anything in the market regardless of price, HONEST, helpful ...

Happy Listening!
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