2. amps-preamps
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Sound of transformers in preamps?

Many of the highest rated preamps around seem to have transformers in the audio chain. The Dude and Coincident tube preamps seem to kick ass when compared to other tube amps and the solid state McCormack VRE-1 is sometimes considered to be the best too. All of these preamps are said to have transformers. Is there a sonic difference with the transformers? What is the subjective difference?
rsimms
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
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,
sksos1
395 posts
 
Agree again...with my current 98 efficient speakers my 8 watt SET is sublime! Many nights I have to wear Depends while listening!!!!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Meant to type Masataka Tsuda designer and owner Silicon Arts.
jwm
918 posts
 
Very interesting thread. I have owned many preamps without interstage transformers (Audio Research, CAT, VTL, Conrad Johnson, Presence. When I received my VAC Sig. Preamp it had the best sound and uses the dreaded interstage transformer. Kevin Hayes of VAC makes two preamps one with and one without the transformer. Guess what his best and most costly one is the one with the transformer.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The VAC Sginature MK II is one of the best sounding preamps I`ve ever heard. Theory aside,it`s always what you "hear" that matters in the end.
Regards,
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