EXOTIC PREAMP - COLOSSAL WASTE OF MONEY

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Please SUBSCRIBE IF YOU LIKE MY CONTENT 🙏 !! THANKS !

[@williamschaefer7399]

Totally understand your point of view. And for the vast majority of systems I fully agree. But it doesn’t always hold. My pre is a ARC Ref-10. I had to send it back for repair (my fault). While waiting I hooked my DAC (Lumin X1) directly to my amps (ARC Ref-160 monos). It sounded awful. The soundstage vanished and the mids were gone. After a while I wanted to listen to vinyl too, so I broke down and bought a Schiit Freya+. The DAC sounded a lot better, though not nearly as good as with the Ref-10. Hooked my phono stage (ARC Ref-10 Phono) up to it, and it was almost unlistenable! A few weeks later the Ref-10 arrived back. The glory of the sound was restored. The impedance difference between the Schiit and the ARC should not have been an issue. But the sound difference was night and day. I actually read the same email and the VAC is definitely on my audition list. But I am a tube guy, so obviously insane.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Even OCD Mikey’s hairs are not a universal tool.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I get it. Both Freya and Lumin x1 are below what I would accept for DAC and this vid is about Preamps OVER 50K. ARC is below that... so you're good..

[@Ivy13276]

Totally agree with you Mikey! I recently purchased a Daniel Hertz Maria integrated amp (dac included) and paired it with a world class server (AudioPhool 2.1) + Puritain psm156 + great cables (not many, as I only have 3 boxes😂). Value in this system is the best I ever found. My friends with mega $ systems were beyond shocked when they heard it as this front end doesn’t even cost 20k!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Exactly

[@colekyler002]

Agree - The Maria is magic!

[@pulDag]

May I kindly ask with what speakers do you pair it? Thanks

[@colekyler002]

Alta Celeste, but replacing soon w/ the Chiaras

[@colekyler002]

The bass coming out of the Alta's is crazy, at another level from my Audionet Max amps if you could believe it!

[@rolandlickert2904]

Fully agree with your assessment! Well done

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks !

[@mikegoddard7354]

Mikey always makes me laugh, I love it. The only thing I would touch on is that honestly adding another variable to your audio chain just makes your life even more hell. There's definitely more bad than good that comes from this and its great to add more things to keep you buying more stuff. I guess that's what keeps the industry alive

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You are picking up what I'm laying down...

[@brentf6563]

Have you ever watched the Dartzeel factory tour video??? A lot of custom parts and the casework is CNC’d alumium.

[@maxotoole8766]

BIG Mickey, YOU are one of us, in more ways than one… enjoyed your latest, I read that same audiocrap article this morning you did. I really appreciated hearing you read the same bubbameister article aKeep kicking a** and taking the names.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for listening

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

It all depends. If the dacs output impedance is rubbish. It won't sound good directly in to a power amp. And very few people actually gives that a thought. That's one of the reasons they keep switching pre and power amps. Cause the shit doesn't fit each other 🎉

[@ericmc6482]

Most DAC boxes/streamer boxes should have perfectly fine analog output drive, it's all about system synergy ....that's another whole subject lol

[@johnraven5093]

Hi Mike, I have an Audio Lab 6000 amplifier that I use as a preamplifier connected to my 8300 MB power amplifiers, an Audio Lab MDAC + and CD Transport Audio Lab 6000 and a WiiM Pro, my speakers are Sonus Faber Lumina 5, I think I stay well below the price. of the preamplifiers you mentioned, all components together sound perfect to my ears Greetings from the Netherlands

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

That's great !! Thanks for your feedback!

[@mcsmcs826]

99% vinyl here. My Tortuga Audio LDR is as close to straight wire no gain as you can get. It sounds amazing !!

[@QQ-td9id]

Recoded Signals already changed when mastering the raw signal to vinyl format. No good even 100% straight after.

[@Jack96993]

That Lamm sure looks a lot like my old school ARC LS15 tube pre amp The quality of the components and circuit board inside my LS15 is outstanding!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It hasn't changed in 30 years.

[@Jack96993]

​@OCDHIFiGuy doesn't need to 😅 I thought that lady you interviewed with that million dollar stereo rig said a pre amp was critical

[@Jack96993]

Sorry, it was Thomas who had the interview with the audio equipment dealer with the million dollar stereo equipment rig

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@Jack96993 of course. She's a hifi equipment distributor...

[@Jack96993]

@OCDHIFiGuy But what she's says at the end of the interview with her personal ( 1 million) stereo equipment is very interesting She uses VAV & ARC Worth watching

[@vuch9802]

Yeah, the vinyl experience you described through photo sounds great! Besides, I love my balanced line stage! It's a killer!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Your linestage was under $5K and is a ridiculous value.. ;-) I'm all about that..

[@BetterISupposeYeah]

love your videos. Call it what it is.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Sure gets the discussion going, doesn't it ? Lol

[@nicomodesto4368]

12 k system ❤ do more please, 50% off on that will be the perfect price point in an ideal world, even used, it’s not so simple to compose without your help, cheers man, I always understand your point.

[@kenbeckman4948]

Yeah, in 1972 Bob Hovland custom made a phono stage with enough gain to go directly thru a volume control to the amp. Once you hear what a linestage does you'll never want one again. If you have a good phono stage or a high quality DAC. Linestages either add or substract, they're never benign.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Several people who watched did not get what you were laying down Mikey. Amazing.

[@jeffkalina7727]

Love that word. Assininity! One thing you do know about these TAS $50k+ pre's-They all advertise!!

[@fredflintstone8048]

Vinyl requires a RIAA Equalization circuit between the turntable and the amp. That circuit will usually include a preamp that raises the signal voltage to a standard signal level that is required by the amp. Not all RIAA Equalization devices are created equal. You need a quality device.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, you are talking about a Phono pre, which I do not address here. I'm talking about the volume control, and more precisely the $50K plus volume controls. What is your opinion ?

[@walterpen371]

I was told by the audiophiles, back in the 70's & 80's, that a POWER AMP should only have a power ON/OFF button, with L & R gain controls ONLY. Stay away for all the whistles and bells. Were they wrong.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right. No gain control !! Just power switch !!

[@IloveJesus-y8e]

Thanks for requesting the analog on playback designs! What a DAC that’s gonna be! It will definitely be more tempting in my world. I mostly have vinyl for when company comes over but I like listening to vinyl sometimes

[@fizywig]

A Canadian woman on Thomas hi fi channel who has a 1m $ Hi Fi system claimed that the pre-amp is the most important component in the whole system and that 40% of budget should be spent on this component

[@Jack96993]

She also said to invest in the bottom end of the musical spectrum. It pays dividends

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yep, how old is she ??? EXACTLY... and she's an equipment distributor. I love Angi by the way. Know her well...

[@cloydkris]

lol bro thats disrespect calling her old..........so wait she doesnt knowing anything because she old. u wild bro with a wild audiophile philosophy. I have no idea what u been trying to say about the nature of this community.@@OCDHIFiGuy

[@Burevestnik9M730]

@@OCDHIFiGuy you know that crook??

[@nasdkhan254]

I agree with you regarding the prices. I think the whole high end industry is a rip off

[@ericmc6482]

At this price point Hi-End is just taking the piss....;

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I don't agree about the whole industry, but the above $50K for a linestage ???

[@ericmc6482]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I edited my comment slightly, but yeah $50k+ for a phono/line stage is royally taking the piss. Ok so some of these makers are only selling a few copies but still....

[@nasdkhan254]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I respect big speakers & turntables take effort but the problem is elitist customers/the industry . The prices have been pushed up to ridiculous amounts . 30 years ago a Meridian cd player cost £1000 . Linn lp 12 about the same . Audio Research not cheap but achieveable There wasn't really anything much beyond it . In 2023 Dacs, headphone & phono stages , cables are the rip off.

[@WelkySchullin]

preamp is one of the crucial part of your system...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Only in CERTAIN systems that are DESIGNED to make you $pend more money !

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

Another excellent video: to tell the truth.

[@javierorozco410]

thank you very much señor .

[@skipgordon5382]

Your comments make a lot of sense. Certainly a point of diminishing returns for putting so much into a preamp. Mine is about 5k. It says there are a lot of people with money to burn so to speak. If they aren’t rich and are going in debt for this gear I feel for them. I’m 70 and have over a thousand albums and that many and more CDs. I enjoy the physical aspect of the musical experience. If I were just starting I would do exactly as you are advising. It is the technology of the day. I have 100k in my setup including room treatments. It’s well above average for all three sources of music. Vinyl, CD, and Streaming-

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, thanks for LISTENING, Skip. This vid is about 50K plus preamps and you understand why I say what I do..

[@maxotoole8766]

…and calling THEM out!!! Have a great Holidays, be safe and stay frosty.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

OOOPS !! Thanks man !

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

It's a great idea with analogue input at the playback design dac, only problem is that the volume control of the playback design is digital. And if the volume control of the playback design is analogue, then your back at analogue preamplifier. So I can't really see the point

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

OK, Ill make the point more clear. Its an analog volume control.. No Analog switching. so its not an analog preamplifier in the traditional sense. In the electronic circuit sense, yes, its an analog input gain stage. In this case, no outboard preamp is necessary due to the high level of this DACs output section.. Look, if you want to spend an extra $20K for an outboard preamp, Im happy to sell one to you ...

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

Analogue volume control is either passive or active, and if you need a gain, then it have to be active. My understanding is that the playback design dac volume control is digital transferring to analogue.

[@edpadden]

I (usually) only buy ~20 year old hifi. That's where the value is. New hifi is just insane, price wise.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

That works if you don't mind doing service

[@mostirreverent]

My Simaudio moon 260 D Neo w DAC doesn’t have volume so I needed a preamp. And yes also for occasional vinyl. I bought a used and reconditioned threshold FET 10 for 1500 bucks. I would have payed that much just for the cool dials 😀. By the way I don’t mind the unedited versions

[@Random-kq4pz]

Now days line stages are an input selector switch, a volume control, and a gain stage. In the past a preamp would also include a phono stage.

[@dexhome_2010]

Mikey I really enjoyed your room at CAF. Have you or anyone heard the Schiit Frya+. I love vinyl, red book CD’s and streaming. For me vinyl beats CD’s and CD’s beat streaming. I use Streaming for modern music I’m not willing to buy or to audition Vinyl I want. Maybe I need the better DAC.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Your last sentence reveals your awareness. ;-) 😉

[@phenomtyree]

Preamps costing $50,000 or more cost as much professional studio mixers to make the music professionally.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes. Neve Console or SSL

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

I will say that I play digital media, cd’s, sacd’s and NAS sourced maybe 10% of time and it’s primarily when we are entertaining with people walking about living room and patio. When I’m sitting in room on couch enjoying music as sole or at least primary activity, it’s either from my Ampex tape deck or vinyl source. I have spent a few hours with both a Playback Designs dac & transport and a Nagra dac w/CEC transport using their integrated volume controls. In all cases I disconnected the rca interconnects from my CAT SL1 preamp to plug into the dac outputs. I then went back plugging the same interconnects back into the CAT and using 1/2 meter silver rca (Revelation Audio if it matters) from da output to CAT input. Granted, not a significant amount of testing but in each instance we both preferred playing through the CAT with DA set for fixed output. Fwiw we have done this with our former setup of VonSchweikert VR5 Anniversary’s biamped w/Wavac 805 and Rogue Apollo’s and recent swap to Living Voice horns, same amps but the Rogue’s driving separate bass horn the Wavac’s driving main horns. I honestly do not know how much a CAT SL1 is today, I believe it was just under $10k when I bought it 20 something years ago but I’ve heard it’s at least $30k today😳. I use a Manley tape head pre on the ATR102 and a DS Audio pre on my DS Audio cartridge but the CAT phono section on my Grado and Lyra cartridges. I am currently demoing a Soulution 757 at a 2nd home, it has preamp stage for tape head output as well as RIAA stage for both MM/MC and optical cartridges plus a volume control. It’s roughly same price as that 725. So far it’s a REALLY impressive kit, despite it being silicon based. Yes, it’s pricey but when you add cost of quality phono stage, a tape head preamp and an optical cartridge preamp, it’s not unreasonable. The only complaint I have is it lacks an aux input for a dac/cd player thus it’s limited to analog only. Anyway, in this hobby economic frugality is somewhat pointless, pricing is what it is. I would be interested if you’ve done actual a-b comparisons using volume control on whatever dac you have and feeding the fixed output on same dac through a quality preamp. Did you really not notice a difference? I suppose it also matters whether or not you have an analog setup and how much you choose to listen to digital media vs analog. I do understand the economics for those that only listen to digital, that’s just not me and it’s not many of our friends who listen to music.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

OK, so you are one of the level heads with actual experience on par and thanks for your feedback. Yes, I compared the direct analog out of the MPD-8 with my NAT Audio Magnetostat SE in the chain and my First Sound Paramount MK3 with CCA tubes. In both cases a world class preamp had its tube "fuzzies" revealed. I prefer straight wire with gain sonic (purism) over the coloration of a Matisse.. Beautifu, yes, but additive vs a blank canvas. I prefer purism over colorism. Ive got a Studer A80 with FM Heads and a Doshi Tape Head pre.. SL-1 is a well known killer linestage... can pick up the 30 year old models used for under $5K and they are INCREDIBLE. new ones not much different for a hell of a lot more... They may be near $50K now and its still a single board from what I know..

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

@@OCDHIFiGuy The CAT SL1, at least mine which I bought in around 98 or 99 replacing my Audible Illusions 3A, another great pre that I moved to a vacation at the time, is a sort of hybrid pcb in the pre and a full pcb in the separate power supply. By hybrid I mean it’s a pcb for some components like the caps and resistors but there’s at least 1/2 of the signal path passing through PTP wiring. For our comparison, at least the one I did most recently since we’re doing some reconfiguring with completion of new vacation home due in early Summer 24 and I’m trying to decide if we’ll go full digital there, full analog or similar to our current setup of having both, was mostly opera as it’s from same original tape masters and I had quality SACD’s. Comparing for example Puccini’s Turandot performed by Vienna Opera, not comparing the 1/4” 15ips tape or vinyl versions of same performance, which were 1 & 2, respectively with noticeable drop off to digital. The primary difference we noticed by adding the CAT was a more natural voice on the mezzo-soprano lead. Less noticeable on the male baritone voices. The symphony itself was largely similar in tonality, dynamics and impact. The other noticeable advantage w/CAT, which was the bigger issue for me, was in imaging. Both presentations had a similar scale in terms of height and width but there was a clearly deeper image with the CAT. The symphony was more detailed in instrument placement, it was honestly not a subtle difference. The voices were better defined for there location on stage. Having seen this opera several times, the presentation w/CAT allowed me to visualise the performance. It was ‘less familiar’ w/o CAT due to the less detailed scale. Was the CAT adding an artificial scale to the performance? I’ve never tried the same with any other preamp but playing same performance on tape, the soundstage is at least as large and more defined than the SACD through MPD-8 at fixed output with the CAT. Going back to just the CAT vs straight from dac to amp, neither of us noticed any added fizz or back ground noise. If you’re familiar with Dvorzak’s brilliant Rusalka, there are several very quiet passages in the performance, never heard those passages displaying any added noise to background. Fwiw, I do use NOS Amperex Bugleboy tubes from 60’s in the CAT, not the originals nor anything newer production. As you said, your experience may vary largely based on ancillary components. If you’re a digital only consumer, does it make sense to have ANY preamp, regardless of price? Probably not. If however you do have an analog setup, I do think it’s worth experimenting between straight out of dac, assuming dac has a volume control, and running fixed output through your pre. If you’re like me and have an older preamp that lacks remote volume control, most modern dac’s now have remotes which for some may too be an advantage of losing the pre. Good discussion, mate. Glad to view and converse with a knowledgeable’Tuber for a change 😉

[@dieselbrodeur]

I think one could turn the question around. A modern preamp should include a stellar DAC. It’s an input selector , volume control , phono preamp., rec out selector for multiple sources and a DAC. If not then it’s really usless.

[@artyfhartie2269]

You should qualify your statements by saying that it is your personal opinion. It is all subjective. There are some among us who like to use their brains to create art and not use AI. And analog is not crap. No need to ridicule other people's taste and love.

[@elgustoesmiochupaki6119]

He is not qualifying anything. What are you saying? Are you deaf? He belongs in the same asylum as Trump. Life is a lot easier with broader strokes. This is the era of my way or the highway. I watch this assiduously because it is some of the best comedy on You Tube.

[@mikegoddard7354]

I think you need to watch the whole video before you made your comments. Definitely long, but he clearly states his point, I dont wish to agree or disagree with it. What I can say is I would rather have you dump that money on a quality amp vs a pre amp but clearly the people who buy these products can afford anything. If you are bleeding money this video is not for you. I think what you should consider is anything you see on the market can easily be sold for 50% off the "MSRP" with no loss, so really consider what these things are actually worth to produce. The intellectual value maybe something to add, but at the very same time you have no clue what that maybe worth or if it's anything crazy

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@elgustoesmiochupaki6119 thanks for your opinion. How's the weather in Portland ?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Art ? Jesus H Christ, why don't you listen rather than trying to fight me ? This is a discussion about preamps over $50K. Take your Adderall and comment on the damn subject.

[@garyanderson1987]

More $$$ for the unit = better superior sound. 🤭🥳

[@zackw4941]

Jeeze.. I seem to be quite happy with my new (to me) Parasound JC2 pre-amp and JC5 power-amp. The JC2 is very clean and transparent and has two sets of 12v trigger, to control everything. The JC5 has beautiful tonality and imaging and power with control. Basically, I'm around $20-21k into my whole system, wit upgraded Tekton Moabs. If I bought all the elxtronics new, the whole system would probably be in the $26k ball-park. I am 100% limited by the room. I could throw down another $100k in components and it just wouldn't matter. The only chance to do something different that sounds radically better, or at least does certain things better, would be to go to a full active, multiple amp system and hand tune it to the room. And that wouldn't involve a pre-amp at all ;) My uncle is working with just such a thing, using omni-direction speakers based on Linkwitz' work. Basically, he's put together a rig that looks like it was made from scraps in the back of a hardware store and it's vocal presence and transient performance will be just about anything at any price.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yep, totally. We are talking about above $50K for the preamp only in this video. What are your thoughts ?

[@zackw4941]

@@OCDHIFiGuy long story short, what I was eluding to us that I think that price point is a waste of money. At this point in the 21st century, if you're willing to go that far, you should be using active crossovers and multiple amps. Even if you have to use cheaper individual components, the benefit of eliminating analog filters and the ability to fine tune the system at a much deeper level, more than makes up for it. The problem is, there's no simple solution to this approach that I know of. Certainly not as easy as plugging in all the pieces of a traditional system and it just works. I've heard much more expensive rigs than my own and they aren't much better. I've already spent more than I should have on a conventional system and my stuff is chump change compared to the uber high end.

[@karlschauff7989]

That Boulder 3010 looks like a medical device you'd find operating room.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I agree

[@tburke6591]

Hey Mikey, thanks for the video. Always entertaining stuff. I have a modest tube preamp VTL 2.5. I notice a lot more warmth using the preamp, rather than going directly out of my Bel Canto Dac to my amp. So can't a preamp at least add some sound to the chain ? Cheers brother.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It does for sure. In the video, I said that I've only found one DAC that beats a preamp. One single DAC out of hundreds. Now, I know it's possible. And more than anything this is a stab at $50K + preamps.. not the good value ones like yours ! ;-)

[@tburke6591]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Thanks for your insight as usual. Just watched your follow-up Preamp vid. 👍

[@drde4010]

Mikey when you said for 5k it's worth it, that was perfect but 55K???!! That's insane but as you know better than I do, there's people foolish enough to pay for it. Great review man!

[@user-eh3qz4zv1o]

I always believed the preamp is the sound signature of the system. Using the Ballfinger M 002 P tape deck to the Block Audio preamp and as far as the source goes, not sure if it gets much better!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yep, sounds like you are in the know. Want to buy some tapes ??

[@user-eh3qz4zv1o]

Always looking, purchasing now from someone in Ukraine making master tape copies.@@OCDHIFiGuy

[@mikegaustad477]

$130,000 Boulder preamp or Super car ? Preamp built in a 3 days v.s a supercar built in 3 months ? Same price ?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Pretty much!

[@brentcollins9727]

What super car is $130,000? Lambo’s, McLarens and Ferrari’s are $400,000

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Previously owned McLaren...

[@jean-martingauthier5551]

another nice video! thanks a lot

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Appreciated!

[@brentcollins9727]

3:52 “I don’t give a shit how good it is” 😂😂😂

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right ? There's a line that gets crossed. And I'd say 50K is clearly over the line for some of this.

[@ThresholdZhor]

All depends of your preferred source, I prefer turntable so I would never use a preamp with digital volume as it damage the purity of sound because it will convert analog to digital then manage volume and then convert digital to analog, in those conversions the nirvana is gone, digital volumes preamp only are worthy for controlling volume using a remote control, the first digital volume Audio Research preamp LS-15 I didn't like the sound, I prefer a good Alps pot with a motor

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I would never use a digital volume control. Any of the digital preamps DACs I sell use an analog volume control.

[@eugenefudge3685]

Try and sell it 3 months after you buy it and see how much you get. That's the kicker.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

That's the telltale sign..

[@chrishmeet]

Im new to hifi, wanted something that i can enjoy for many years. After doing some reading i opted for separate componets. For 10k i got a pre amp with 6922 tube, a separate power stage with tube rectifier 5ar4 and a power amp/ hybird 300 watts with a 300B input stage with GaN Fet made by purity Audio. Its allost complete and ready to be shipped. I am so super excited.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Let us know how it goes !

[@helgar791]

Sweet.

[@a.s.2426]

Mikey, I own an MPD-8 and I personally think the in-built preamp section is very good (like you said), yet I still bypass it and use an external preamp because -- to me -- the external one sounds better. As you've always emphasized, it's about system synergy en route to musicality in the end and while the preamps you showed might not be "better" than the MPD-8 in your view, I assume you agree that they at least will sound different and offer different strengths and weaknesses vs. the MPD and that those strengths/weaknesses will vary by system. One's choice of using the MPD preamp section vs. the other options will and SHOULD come down to listener preference. That said, when the in-built preamp is accounted for the MPD-8 is a really exceptional value for the dollar.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I am a fan of utterly transparent and natural sound. I strive to do that with the simplest, shortest signal path. In order to do that, my system synergy must be balanced enough to not need to lean my system one way or another. The output of the MPD-8 is very transparent, natural and unflavored, or uncolored, as you can attest. I like my chocolate cake without coconut in the frosting. Just pure unadulterated chocolate. Some people like German chocolate kerfuffle.. I'm a purist. Does not make either wrong. Some folks want whatever the preamp adds to make their system sound more enjoyable. Mine sounds best, direct. And it allows me to put $25K into something else.. if anyone wants to paint their masterpiece using an additional set of circuitry and additional power supplies, then all the power to them. I am in complete agreement with you. This is why I offer the pallette of linestages on my site. Thanks so much for your feedback. What preamp do you use in your system ?

[@johnshaw359]

Much of what you say is fine if you're a one-hump-chump with a single source with a decent volume of some sort and only listen to digital medium from 2V (0db) files / discs etc, otherwise you may need some gain and output impedance can be an issue with some sources, driving longer interconnects. Less can be more, but it can also be less. Buy a good old high-end second hand krell, mak levinson, audio research or jeff rowland etc preamp is my advice and get it refurbished if you want something good.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for your feedback !!

[@RUfromthe40s]

pre amp for a power amp or pre-amp for turntable ,etc. that is a scheme but power amplifiers are the best and they need a pre-amp to work with several sources allthough i have a STASIS with a turntable,the SL-1000mkII and professional huge speakers JBL from the late 80´s those with plastic box that are to be atatched to the ceiling if you have a early 20 century house or from the 1800´s ,modern flats might not have enough weight to fit them

[@saint6563]

A preamp isn't only a volume control; it's also a source selector.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

No shit, Sherlock.

[@austenrichardgeorge842]

I was in a high end dealership in Hong Kong. The dealer noted that most of his customers don't actually listen to anything. They ask "What is the most expensive thing they sell "Kharma speakers and maybe Esoteric or Burmester or Kondo (the dealer carries all of them). They order it. The dealer has it shipped and they put it all in a terrible room. The owner walks his guests by it and says "This stereo is $ 2 million" and they keep walking to the next room with another $2m stereo. Where I disagree with the OCD guy is that many people buy "pretty equipment" where all the money has been put into the casework (which is 99% irrelevant to the actual sound quality). This ugly or plain gear is not selling based on appearance - it is selling because people like the sound. As a reviewer myself I have heard pretty much everything over the last 30 years and I like the looks of a lot of it far more than the plain boxes I own - I also wish I liked the technologies that are less of a pain in the ass. Most stuff is overpriced when we look only at parts quality. Companies who get parts from China or build in China have an advantage over building in the US and even which state in the US - or Canada - or Europe etc. Some companies may charge more on the high-end product to perhaps subsidize the low-end item to help move those units. Speaking to some dealers - they won't carry some items unless it is priced higher because it takes up space and don't give the dealer enough margin.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Hi Austen, you actually agree with me then. I say that there's a point where hifi is sold for ego, not sonic quality. Not only do people BUY for those reasons, but companies BUILD for those reasons. So, at one point, companies totally SELL OUT for $$$ money... they lose their soul to greed... some of them even start that way... 😕

[@DAMIANCOOK-lr9gz]

yes i get your point mikey but on a hi end system a seperate preamp will always sound better than a dac with built in preamp period & also someone with the budget to buy 1 of those ultra expensive preamps {which i do"nt} will have the budget to buy ultra expensive amps speakers dac cables etc

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

No. Not period. I don't agree. Straight out of MPD-8 is more like straight wire with gain than with the flavor of a preamp. I prefer transparency. I've tested this against a $26K tube and $35K solid state preamp.. but if you like the added flavor it's fine... add it in...

[@RUfromthe40s]

look for the Yamaha C-1 ,it´s my faviorite and using all inputs, also from hitachi i have pre and amplifier ,they do deliver the best sound and they heat a lot. When living in africa i had to open them and bought two metal fans to put directelly into the two power amplifiers that with two speakers they released 400watts at 4ohms(real ones )was kind of a colonial house with a big saloon for gatherings with wooden ceiling and it can be divided by a wooden and glass door two make two huge living rooms, i heard those fortune components and they do sound very good but the ones from the 70´s sound better and were at the time very expensive,pioneer i have 4 power amplifiers but none after 1980,only a had a Denon which is very good ,the 90´s ones are crap comopared to the ones released in the 70´s

[@audiohertz2341]

OCD, A Pre Amp is very essential in creating the tone and drive of your system, the amplification is really an extension of to drive the load ..! BTW nothing in audio needs to cost more than a few thousand dollars , to get good sound , with the speakers being the most important and this is where you should put most of your system budget and effort then amp for the load . DAC’s unlike loudspeakers are cheap to manufacture and should have the lowest cost in any system ..!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, but DAC Engineers that are World Class are few and far between.. Just like artists... so can we say a VanGogh is only worth the cost of paint and canvas ?? Preamp is essential in creating tone only if you want to add tone... maybe because your system needs it to begin with ....

[@BobCoalWater]

This is a great example of passive aggressiveness. I wonder how many are watching this and contextualizing that 25k for a DAC is crazy.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I do lead by example... there's no issue with sales if that's what your considering...

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Hey Man, people need to launder money too 😂

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Whoa... now THERES an angle... lol

[@StGCfiLife]

Active preamp bring drive.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Strong DAC output bring drive also.

[@StGCfiLife]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Its not the same Mike, in my experience.

[@craigenputtock]

"Image stability"? I used to get that with my Scott receiver too.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I get it from my eyeglasses

[@mrman7453]

Some friends buy beer at the ball park.Some friends buy beer to drink in parking lot before the game.

[@PGHJR002]

I admire you OCD GUY. Way to tell the truth.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thank you !!

[@77MovieFan]

Dual Input would have been what I needed because of phono and the home-cinema chain

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Well you can trade it back if you like.

[@77MovieFan]

@@OCDHIFiGuy No you miss understood, i don't want anything else but if i would be in same position i wanted 2 inputs

[@ericmc6482]

At these price points all these Hi-End manufacturers are just taking the piss....

[@kenandbarbie-b6c]

I admit, I am NOT a subject matter expert on high end preamps, but in the example you showed for a $50,000 preamp it does look sparse for what you get. I suspect you can get a preamp that cost a lot less that is a much better value & performs about as well audibly.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, watch the follow up video.. second one after this one. I show an Exotic for $8K

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

Maybe you should try a preamp that isn't a filter, personally I use an Amare Musica Deforest tube preamp (fantastic Polish hifi) that are in the same league as allnic and other dth preamplifiers, just amazing to put this thing between the dac and amplifier, it just make the space and imagine and stage so much better, it moves the sound to the next level.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Why would I want to add anything when I completely connect to my music in a level never experienced before ?? Makes no sense...

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

​ I'm so sorry, I didn't now that you had the final list of facts regarding how a system is supposed to be. Everybody have an opinion on how the sound should be like, and many people like and think that a preamplifier gives them better sound. You also have a lot of filters in your speakers, many people prefer full range speakers because of the lack of filter 😊

[@torbenhenriksen6257]

​ I'm in the belief, that the synergy of the complete system is what is important, instead of just looking at a peace at the time. I have a setup bought 2 hand for 1/10 of your system, and it probably come close to your system, is my guess 😊

[@adrianm1949]

Hey Mikey, sorry for my silly question..does it make sense to use Dac Pre with an Integrated Amp?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

No.

[@Burevestnik9M730]

you need preamp for classical music. use preamp and amp from the same manufacturer

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I disagree

[@Burevestnik9M730]

@@OCDHIFiGuy you are not into classical music, based on you

[@progrock3603]

That picture of the preamp at 5:55 wow. Take a look at the inside of the musical paradise MP-701 pre amp, looks as good for 49,000 dollars less. no fairy dust though. Just saying.

[@magnaman94]

I have the mp 701 with nos tubes and van dam caps. I get get great synergy with a Vincent sp-223 amp.great midfi system. I would change nothing.

[@progrock3603]

@@magnaman94 Absolutely! I use the vcaps on mine. I ordered three 6sn7’s with adapters to replace the nos rca 12au7’s suggested by someone who says the 6sn7 makes a big difference.

[@magnaman94]

@@progrock3603 i have brimar cv4003. I would love to get some 6ns7's and copper oil bypass caps. A bendix rectifier. Other than that its very musical.

[@joemehalic4069]

Mikey, Is the Leedh volume control a possibility for the PBD-8, or is the current volume control set up good enough? Can one of the analog outs be used for a sub on the PBD-8?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its not needed. Its an ANALOG volume control.. And yes, its world class... Yes, both DAC outputs can be used simultaneously, there is enough current on the output stage...

[@jonathandavis9507]

As someone who uses a preamp in their system, I agree 😅

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks !

[@chuckmoore5382]

I have a Pinot to go with my MPD-8 so I can play analog. But I still use a Boulder 1110 preamp because I also run a HT system. The Boulder 1110 was $21K and has the same volume control as the $142K Boulder 3010. Yes, it is better than the volume control on the MPD8. Is Andreas going to put a Pinot in the MPT8 or MPD8? Or is it going to be all analog?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You like the added flavor the Boulder gives to MPD-8. Nothing wrong with that. Interesting the VC is not even improved. It makes a case for my point of overpricing. It's going to be all Analog. I've got the Pinot as well. To convert my master tape reels..

[@elgustoesmiochupaki6119]

I prefer a Chateneuf du Paupe - Vieux Telegraph < 1970.

[@yulaswift2439]

Oooh, and you thought “Vinyl vs Digital” was stirring the pot, Mickey 🤙🏼

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It's funny how people change my story. This is about $50K plus preamps...

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

Those Preamps cost more than my garage! Jeez Louise! Come ON!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It's all relative.. but I'm about value for those I sell to... regardless of thier means.

[@ΝίκοςΓαρυφαλάκης]

You can hear clearly the difference with vinyl playback,even with the cheap ones(turntable and cartridge)mickey.I can't understand the problem,don't get me wrong ,please,but it is something organic,anyone who listens to records can understand what i mean.Anyway,i love your videos,please,don't get me wrong,this is my opinion,thank you!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There is no problem !! Lol. My point was many times a preamp is only a volume control. It comes from the days when we had 5 analog sources and it's switching was needed. If you are all digital then it's a $35,000 potentiometer... to me, that's an epic waste of money. If you have VINYL, you have no choice. Submit to the preamp. And even if people want to spend 35K to control the volume, all the power to them !

[@ΝίκοςΓαρυφαλάκης]

​@@OCDHIFiGuyi agree about the high prices,i'm with you.But my point was about vinyl records and their sound..Thank you very much,we love your channel!!

[@kenbeckman4948]

I stopped using line stages 40 years ago. Then I went directly from phono stage to stepped attenuator with caddock resistors Now Now I go from DAC to same volume control to amp. So much more open sound. I don't do it that to save money. The best linestage is no linestage.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yep. You get it..

[@snomofilms]

DartZeel definitely looks like it’s got nipples 😂. Don’t you just want to reach out and tweak them 😅

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes.

[@henni1964]

Bernie Grundman reveals that with digital processing and digital playback ambience and high end information gets lost (regardless of cost). So analogue certainly is not "crappy"... 😉 However the Lamm example shows imho the hilarious pricing of recent high end products in general. In the digital domain you will get for sure a much better price-performance ratio.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Who said Analog is crappy ? This video is about $50K plus preamps... are you sure you are commenting on the correct video ?

[@henni1964]

02:15 - 02:21 "... vinyl and record players and analogue, all that crap in a freakin' preamp ...". For me, neither is crap. I do listen to digital over headphones and in home cinema. But maybe I didn't get your ironie here. That's possible, because I am not a native speaker. I do like your vids, they are always intructional and entertaining to me, don't get me wrong! 🙂

[@genemarco-lt4su]

Mikey i dont know if this will get posted but for some , reason I've never fallen asleep to a CD or anything in the digital domain musically ever. I stayed up for three days to see if i could get tired enough and listen and still couldnt not fall asleep to anything digital red book or dvda sacd nothing. Set up my thorens 2nd song in picked up my sony es remote and tryed to go to next track totally forgetting that I had Thorns hooked up and chuckled was asleep before thd lp was finished. Hey i dont spin records because its like collecting stamps theres about a million things to do and not to do and you need to now to get value out of records Plus really really expensive to do it right im 58 and im not going down that rabbit hole.. I was one of those people back in the day that bought three CDs and a CD player and I played those three CDs once and I said wow that sounds horrible when I stopped playing the CDs cuz that's how bad the original CDP were when they first came out but Dac transports and DA converters and power supplies have come a long way since those , ancient times. Also predicted lp would be purchased and appreciated many years later and look at us all these years later they're appreciated they do have a great sense of warmth and musicality that no CD player ever could ever come close to it's not really an opinion it's my experience. Music has an organic sense of itself if you play something off of digital format it will always sound almost identical to what you heard before but that's not the case with records there could be all kinds of factors that could make it sound good if not better if you tweak things and it's to your own tweaking it's too much tweaking so I'm going to tweak out and say adios goodbye I just want to post this I don't know if it'll get posted but sorry to be long-winded

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Your DAC is not musical enough to rival Vinyl.. The one I sell is. I guarantee it 100%. I totally know what you mean about sleeping during music.

[@genemarco-lt4su]

My audio alchemy pro 1 transport with my pro AA upgraded dac came close but didn't own for long I've bought a lot of thousand dollar dacs china brands and so forth USA brands I still love the sound of my old Rotel 30 year old player with black gate caps that our stock no mods other than installing a iec on the back.

[@saint6563]

Hilarious! For so many reasons + analog & digital preamps sound different. Playback pre in DAC ain't free.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

ALL dacs have digital input switching. There is no stand alone "Digital preamp" that I know of. Care to enlighten us ?

[@RUfromthe40s]

mad to spend money on a pre-amp like this

[@lbrizzle18]

There are awesome preamps out there for 20k-30k, and I have heard them. I have not heard a 50k plus preamp, but my guess is that the 50k level and above doesn't get you double the performance of the 20k to 30k level, just like everything else in high end audio.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Agreed

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

Of course not, but are the improvements worth it to YOU? If not, don't buy it, pretty simple.

[@elitetrader5468]

I agree. That seems to be the sweet spot. I'm interested in the T + A P 3100 HV, because in addition to being a great pre-amp, it has room correction capability as well.

[@williampearson4968]

Are $50,000 preamps worth the money? Mikey is right not if you are only into digital playback. As an owner of 1,500 LPs dating back to the 60s, I definitely would want probably 2 analog inputs - an extra one for my FM Tuner as I live in the big City on Michigami with a great radio station WFMT. Maybe, then I would consider Playback Designs. Also, I own 2,000 CDs and need a great DAC.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Just call me to chat about options..I do this for free and am not a hard closer type.

[@RUfromthe40s]

i don´t spend money on those components but i´m okay with one from the 80´s from Denon and several from the 70´s who work perfect with power amps

[@NexusS4GIceJelly]

There’s still some merit to adding a pre on some systems for synergy/preference factor but on other systems, a pre can throw the balance out of synergy/preference. A bad pre will take away some of finest resolution that a system can give while a great pre will enhance everything without committing sins of omission

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yep, we are talking about 50K plus preamps here...

[@TheNathanMChannel]

The amount of exotic gear that costs five or six figures and does not LOOK like it costs that much is very weird to me. For crazy money I'd want aesthetics. Gorgeous CNC machining, very tactile switches and knobs, cool looking materials, something that's just excessively badass to look at and touch. Something that anyone can look at and assume it's extremely fancy and expensive. The Dartzeel is extra ugly and that CH Precision exterior is just sad. Looks like something I could get at Costco. Not all these are terrible, but they don't really have the WOW factor imho.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I agree. I would want eye candy for that kind of dough...

[@epi2045]

I’m thinking of using my TV’s variable outs as my preamp 😂 Another great video Mikey!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Do it !!

[@rw3915]

This video reminds me when I just finished the twisties on Angeles Crest and went to well known Shell Gas station where all the bikers and exotic car fellas fuel up and hang for a bit. There were some dudes riding some old ratty looking gixxer and one dude was mouthing off about how the new Duc Pany and the Firebalde RR SP sucks. I was thinking, you've got to be kidding me... The V4 & Fireblade are some of the most capable track bikes that roll out of a showrrom floor. Yeah, they cost because they are big boy toys. That dude on the 10 yr old gixxer, I bet if he had the money he'd be on a V4 or SP, guaranteed. Yeah, it's about the money. If I didn't have the money and all I could afford is a ratty gixxer with 80k miles on it, well then, be cool and be glad you got *something.* Haters and trash talkers bag on the latest bikes because they don't have the scratch to play in the elite sandbox. What am I tryin to say? Nobody likes a hater. Haters, they just show their gold tooth that's all. But hey, everyone has a 1st Amendment right so, keep on truckin Mikey.

[@ptg01]

Indeed.. $50K and up for a pre-amp ? Frankly, for any hi-fi device seems a bit excessive bordering obscene... Think of how much good you can do to the world for $50K or better yet, invest it and earn a measly 5% for say 30 years and watch it grow to over $200K ! This makes more sense to me on how to spend $50K but that's me... It's a free market after all !

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Whoop there it is..

[@samlowry5008]

Wait aren't you always saying "it's all about the music". But there's a lot of music that's only released on vinyl.. And what about the physical media aspect of cover art/liner notes/lyric booklets ect adding to musical experience?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Totally valid and I love the media which is vinyl from a tactile art perspective. I designed and sell a vinyl carrying case to back up my mouth. It's on 11stereo.com as we speak. Next, this vid is about $50K+ preamps. What's your opinion on the subject at hand ? Third, please name 5 albums released on vinyl that I can't stream right now off the internet.. I presume "a lot" is at least 100, so 5 will do.

[@samlowry5008]

My comment was concerning physical media specifically vinyl.(which requires a preamp) I don't stream music because like I said for me cover art etc is part of the musical experience. (plus music can be removed from streaming sites but not from my collection). Anyway here are 6 albums (some old some new) only released on vinyl. Again I have no interest in streaming so i don't know if you could find them there. For me it is about physical media. 1 - Norman Moron Y Su Combo - De Todo Un Poco 2 - Giolito Y Su Combo - Cosecha Tropical 3 - The MPS Rhythm Combination & Brass - My Kind Of Sunshine 4 - Suzanne Ciani & Jonathan Fitoussi Golden Apples of the Sun 5 - Iglooghost - Lei Line Ion 6 - Hainbach - Light Splitting

[@davidbee8178]

Very often, it's snob appeal and how much a person pays for something that lends it "legitimacy" in audio circles which unfortunately, well known Audio Magazines, (you know the ones! :-) feed into the Soulution/Lamm style snobbery. NO WAY do you HAVE to pay that kind of coin for STUNNING pre-amp quality . . . better yet, why not either get a high quality integrated amp if you run analog OR better still, give the preamp a pass if you do digital only and get, for example, one of Mickey's Playback designs. The new Daniel Hertz Maria has potential too for genuine value. Would LOVE your take on the Maria if ever, Mickey!

[@davybloggs1564]

Hi Mikey, You asked for comments about your new video 'thing' - initial volume was too loud, then you quickly lowered it, presumably in editing, so why not make all volume levels the same, from the first frame? Secondly, while you are waving your hands around in front of the camera, the exposure and white balance is constantly chamging, which looks weid, and is annoying. Set both to a fixed setting. Can you let us know what your 'stellar' pre-amp for c20$k is please? btw, the LAMM, they're not louvres, they're just holes/slots, which is even cheaper to do. It does seem like a complete rip off for >55$k. At least the 725 has 'something' inside it, as does the darTZeel! Still, both rip offs. Also, the Commander LOOKS 'good', and has some design input, rather than a plain metal box. Tha manufacturers 'bumpf' (sales talk) is the biggest joke really, but, as with things like abstract paintings, they have to say 'something' about it, even though we know it's BS. Kudos to you for outing these rip off companies.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Davy. Zero editing. It's automatic volume leveling and automatic white level balance. So in percentage of importance, what percent to you is the ratio of video production quality vs the message/info being delivered ? Thx. NAT AUDIO Magnetostat SE is my reference at $26K.

[@tomcarpenter9460]

I have heard great sounding preamps for as little as $3,000. $50-140k is not an option for me and likely never will be even at my dealer cost. But some wealthy people like to have their Lamborghini’s gold plated I guess so what’s another $140k There’s a big difference between having the money and being smart with it. I guess if I had gold plated Lambo money I would rather buy 10 preamps for family and friends vs spending 10x as much on myself for nothing or very little more. I am with OCDM and am personally disgusted with this corrupted industry when I see rape prices every time I open a trade mag.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Whoop there it is. You understand my point dead on the nuts. Thank you for listening and trying to understand the point... ;-)

[@tomcarpenter9460]

To put some things into perspective my absolute favorite speaker less than 25 years ago retailed for $14,000/pr including a servo bass management box. Today I can’t imagine that speaker being produced and retailed for anything less than $100,000 rtl and I have no doubt that someone would attempt to make retail closer to $200,000 based on what is out there for $50k, $100k, $150k, $300k and more. Even dealers are getting ripped off today at these prices and clearly we have to mark things up to make a living. Even if we gave consumers dealer cost and made nothing it would still be a ripoff to the consumer if we don’t value shop for you and let me tell you it’s hard to find these days. This is why OCDM and others like myself are passionate about finding values for you “the consumers.” I would rather sell 100x the amount at lower pricing and less margin on beautiful sounding hifi systems than 10% as much that is bloated to be way overpriced leaving a few customers with great sound and 90% wishing they had enough money to buy a truly state of the art sounding rig. Wouldn’t some manufacturers want to do the same? Really get their name out there again!!! I think OCDM and other dealers like us can make a huge dent in the industry and force pricing to come down. Thanks to Mikey for “leading the charge” and having the energy to keep on feeding us with videos….maybe it is helping already. I just saw a sale on a well known pair of speakers that list for around $24,000 pr for around $10,000 discount. Pretty sure that manufacturer is still making money…. How much were they making on us when they were asking $24,000. “An undisclosed lot” plus the better part of $10,000 more to the consumer.

[@dominicdiclemente8877]

The most ridiculous part about the lamm is the parts they use. The chokes are hammond ! The caps are wima .... all this stuff is what you get at digikey. They are great parts but the bill of material is really low.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Absolutely... freaking Hammond ? Not even Lundahl ?

[@twochaudiomg2578]

Mike. Show us a Roland. What you are saying to me is buy a Rotel streamer with a gain control. Sell the Peramp. I'm not so sure on your thinking Even the Rotel streamer with a $1000 Pre anp. You will be mush happiest. LAMM it's inside. Not the box. Listen to the mono blocks Lamm makes. Way over my head. Let's get that right

[@stephens2r338]

Talk about judging a book by its cover

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

We open the books up...

[@adamnocon9432]

So we need only TOPPING PRE90 (Stereophile Class A), unfortunately made in China? Personally, I own Quad ESL-63 (used), REL 212/SE, Luxman L-550AX, Oppo UDP-205, Yamaha NP-S2000 Network Player/DAC (weight 26.5 lb) and some vintage staff. Mikey, please find me the better system for less than 10 grand, thanks for your work!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I don't pay attention to full systems that are less than 10K. Mine start at 12K

[@StGCfiLife]

Dart is anodized alum. Very expensive to make. That chassis will cost more than $2k BoM.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

OK. So let's mark it at $60K...

[@StGCfiLife]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I agree that you can get a great preamp for much less. ...and vintage ones for s steal.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@StGCfiLife that's the point... ;-)

[@hemen-dex]

Dude, maybe you have to upgrade your system and knowledge. Preamps, especially tube ones are the heart and soul of every decent system. All the character and voice of the system is generated in preamp section and you can tweak it and tune it to your taste .

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Dude, thats called coloration... paint your shit all you want... I prefer a blank canvas..

[@hemen-dex]

@@OCDHIFiGuy there is no such thing as a transparent component.

[@glenncurry3041]

Just remember that controlling volume, input level to the power amp, digitally is done by bit depth reduction. Tossing out bits used for resolution. e.g. if you want to listen at half of full volume you toss out the most significant bit. A volume control setting of 1/4 tosses out most of the bits!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

That's called Digital volume control and is complete shit. The DACs I sell use Analog volume control. ;-)

[@allardvanderstarre5238]

i just use a cheap integrated-a chep exposure 2510

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Whatever makes you happy !

[@panchosanza8750]

Another incoherently rambling rant by Mike. "You don't need an expensive SLR with expensive interchangeable lenses! Because you can make all the photos you want just with your cellphone! This is the 21th century for XXX sake!" BTW agree with your opinion on extraordinarily priced "high end" preamps for snobs.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I'm good at the incoherent rant. It's what built this channel. ;-) 😉

[@panchosanza8750]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Watching your video gave me an idea. Buy one of those ridiculous preamps, disassemble it and look up all the parts in a catalogue to find out how much they all cost. Then add up for the total cost. Btw, don't let my comment distract you. You're doing fine. 😃