Dude TRL vs Red Wine Isabella vs Dodd


These are new contanders for my new preamp.Also thinking about Samson TRL monoblocks.Which one could be the best preamp?I don't need any special features except possibly remote and the best sound.
128x128mikedimitrov
I think I can't go wrong with any of these preamps.They are priced about the same and have fantastic reviews from owners.I have heard Red Wine Isabella with Almarro monos and it was superb,I loved it.I just don't know if amps like 70.2 or Almarro will be enough for my Tannoys.Dude TRL and their Samson amps are probably one of the best,if I trust Grannyring who reviwed his Samson's at http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ramps&1229800875 .It really comes down to which amp I will be using and then decide.Dude TRL preamp does not have a remote control.I think I can use any of those preamps with Samson monoblocks with no problem.They have 300w/8ohm which is a lot of power and will handle my huge 15' Tannoy drivers.So I am really thinking to get them with either preamp.What are your thoughts?Only Red Wine has a distribution here.On the other hand Audio Horizon have 30days return policy so if I don't like it I can send it back and Dude TRL seem like they don't realy care much because they don't even have specs about their gear on their website,I wonder how they can survive if they don't advertise anywhere and have no dealers where customers can hear their product?Do they count on people who own their gear and then spread out their words to the world?They are really confident to be able to do this.My thought ,TRL must be very good!!!I am very confused,I don't have enough money to try all 3 preamps and I am residing in Europe anyway.One thing Red Wine is probably the best bet,I have heard it and it was really good.I can try other preamps later.What are your suggestions?
If you have already heard the RWA and know you like it I think you have your answer. I agree it should match up well with the Samsons.

TRL is a leap of faith but you will be rewarded. Grannyring's review of the Samson's is spot on. Also, read the review of the Dude preamp by Agear.

Being that you are in Europe makes this tougher, but FWIW TRL's customer base for their uber watt tube amps included many customers located in Japan.
I kind of remember the contents of a thread here about problems with TRL . Something about moving to another country (Italy ?) and not doing much buisness . Got to agree , his equipment has a pretty good reputation .

Just a thought .
My two cents: the TRL Dude is to die for. Yes, the TRL guys are confident and rely to some degree on word of mouth. To me, that is the ultimate indicator of performance....not neatly packaged data on a slick website. I also own Intuitive Design gear and Dale's philosophy is the same. I would engage Bill/Grannyring in regards to the Dude/Samson synergy. The sum is more than the parts....
I have owned Dodd and RWA Isabella (with DAC option).
Both great preamps and quite close in performance.
Isabella replaced Dodd due to more engaging and analogue presentation.
Its DAC options is really awesome and I would strongly advise going in that direction. Its DAC replaced my $3200 CDP (still use it tho) if it's any indication of its quality. Recently, I have purchased two Isabellina HPA DACs with variable out and remote control. These can work as stand alone digital preamps (that is how I use it).
I am having one of my DACs modified by Vinnie Rossi this Friday so its battery power supply can be shared by another component (Empirical Audio Offramp Turbo). This will keep both components off the grid for about 10h of play time.

As far as amp for Tannoy Canterbury speakers ....... I would suggest looking into Jadis tube amps. They sure do sound great together.

Regards
Mariusz