Sound of transformers in preamps?

Generally resistors base pre will have more dynamics and midrange than transformer pre. but transformers will outshine in areas like transparency and detail, just my 2 cents. i think it would be hard to notice their musical differences between the two if they are both well design, you need to strain your ears to hear the differences, i guess.
BTW, are you sure Dude has transformers in signal paths?

Not sure at all that the Dude has transformers in the signal path. I just remember on comment in this forum where somebody mentioned it. I haven't seen anything official.

Bob

I got curious and searched Audiogon for ‘Dude’ and ‘transformer’ and found a comment by Grannyring where he talked to the Dude designer Paul. He said that Paul didn’t like transformers in the signal path. I guess I was wrong about the Dude.

Bob

The Dude has a power transformer, but is not transformer coupled. To answer the posters question, yes the transformer can and does certainly influence the sound of a preamp. Depending on the design of the preamp transformers can be used in several locations. They can and must used in the power supply, can be used as chokes in the power supply and some use them for coupling.

In each instance the transformer can and does impact the sound regardless of use or location.

Also, wether or not a transformer coupled preamp sounds best etc... I have no idea. I think a skillfully designed transformer or capacitor coupled preamp will yield beautiful results. The transformer quality as well as the cap quality in that position is vitally important. I do know this :-)