Sound of transformers in preamps?

Dover, thanks for the link to the transformer information. That was very informative. It is probably a little like finding out how sausages are made though. One part of the picture lost is the problems created if you don’t use transformers. The alternatives have a lot of issues and problems too. One time at NASA I tried to find a linear capacitor. That was hard to find. I would think that isolation would be a very significant advantage of transformers, especially in a preamp.

Bob

Rsimms, isolation is only a problem if you have a severe ground loop or problem with AC power where you are trying to run the system where part of it is on one line and another part on another line.

However an interstage transformer will not help you with any of that.

Sksos1,
Some of the very best natural sounding preamps available use interstage and or input transformers.It will always be about designer talent,implementation and quality of parts selected.Those designers if they were incline to do so could come here and give very valid reasons why they reject the signal capacitor approach.Either method can be quite good with a talented builder.Any and all decisions concerning sound reproduction have some level of trade offs.
Regards,

Charles1dad you are 100% right. When I search for a pre (or any component for that matter) I don't say OK it has to have A or B or C. Yes I first think tubes and have had more tube amps than most normal people have had cars and the same goes for pre-amps. But I've now landed with a SS pre and never inquired about it's design just plugged it in and knew it was special once heard. Still have not found a SS amp I could live with for the long run but that doesn't mean it's not out there, have yet to hear some of the new Nelson Pass designs.

Sksos1,
I have an admiitted bias for tube components but I`ve heard only high praise when the VRE is mentioned(I have`nt heard it).The most musically natural sounding SS power amp I`ve heard(so far) is the Silicon Arts zl-120 built by Masakada Tsuda(Concert Fidelity).Despite the many different amps I`ve listened to,at the end of the day give me a good SET amp.
Regards,