RCM Sensore Prelude OR Zesto Andros PS1 Phono?

Well, you're talking apples and oranges. The RCM is a solid state while the Andros is a tube preamp so I'm not sure how meaningful any comparison would be outside of your system. Is the rest of your system tubes or ss? What cartridge will you be using?

I happen to own the new version of the RCM (the Furutech version) and in my otherwise all tube system the RCM sounds very clean, very transparent, neutral, and dynamic. But you already know that since you're familiar with this product.

The Andros is also quite a bit more expensive so you need to take that into consideration as well unless it's not a factor. From what I've heard about the Andros, it sounds like you can't go wrong with either unit, all else being equal.

Thank you for your response. I have a tube pre-amp and my speakers are active (Adam Tensor Gamma). Although i wouldn't expect to have to run from phono to pre-amp to speakers. Whilst the units in terms of cost are different that is not a consideration. I am merely talking in "absolute" terms here. I am just trying to ascertain if it is worth the upgrade to a Zesto Andros from a Sensor Prelude and the price difference is not that substantial (after i sell my Prelude should i purchase a Zesto).

What cartridge would you be using?
And am I understanding correctly that you already have the Prelude?

The Prelude is on it's way with the Sota Cosmos turntable, ZYX Ayame Cartridge on a Kuzma Reference Tone Arm. The Prelude was part of the package. The seller wanted to sell the whole lot and did not want to seperate. So i have the Prelude by default if you like. I really wanted the Sota Cosmos Turntable and i got all the others bits with it. I have heard a Prelude in other systems and was impressed. I just have not heard a Zesto Andros and was considering selling the Prelude to "upgrade"? to the Zesto Andros.

I see. Sounds like you've assembled a very nice system. Congratulations. I'm not familiar with the ZYX cart, but both preamps should work fine with it. Why not stick with the Prelude since you're already getting it and you liked it in other systems? If you don't get to know the sound of your system with the Prelude in it, you won't be able to determine whether any upgrade actually makes an improvement. My two cents.