Modern Linestages

Ralph, are you saying that in most cases, the "damage" caused by an IC is greater than the damage caused by active circuitry in a line stage whose primary purpose is to control interconnects?

Interestingly, I have both George's Lightspeed and your LineStage - they both sound excellent, but they are driving different amps ( the M60s with your MP3). With my other amp, the manufacturer said no active preamp would sound better than a high quality attenuator, which I always found interesting in that he is more than capable of designing a SOTA preamp, he just does not believe in them. This really seems beyond debate or proof, just try it and see what you like - it will not be resolved here:) You just have to be more attentive setting up a passive system.

"08-25-11: Liguy: The perfect linestage can be imagined as simply a wire with gain. If you do not need gain a passive preamp will do. So, you ask what about matching impedances? Well a simple buffer can be used. Enter the First Watt B1, a passive volume control with buffer. The buffer makes the passive preamp more versatile because the impedance issue is handled by the buffer. Expensive? Not in the least and very good sounding. Here is Nelson Pass's thoughts:Liguy"

Nelson Pass first designed that buffer for my Lightspeed Attenuator (passive attenuator) in early 2008 on "diyaudio" forums, it was so the Lightspeed could drive some of his very low input impedance amps that were 10k-30k input impedance that he and others were making. With his/others amps that are 47k and over there was no need for the buffer as the best sounding buffer was no buffer.

Cheers George

goldeneraguy,
Thanks for the kind comments,not only do I like tubes, but particularly SET -DHT tubes(sigh,there`s just no hope for me).
Best Regards,

When I attend live performances(unamplified jazz groups) they consistently sound rather,full,rich,round toned and yes warm. Even when they play very fast tempo music it`s still very full bodied and preserves a sense of ease and density(same is true of classical music programs).

Charles1dad,

Quintessentially, this has also been my observation. Personally, I advocate a closer examination of the recording process and what it yields.

Regards,

Sam

Start a power cord thread and I've seen more peace and harmony in an Oakland Raiders parking lot after a game. :-)

Onemug...that was hysterical! I recall going to Chargers/Raiders games that featured more action in the stands than in the game - LOL ;-)

Best,

Sam