Mapletree Audio versus Decware preamps

Pubul

I can't comment on Decware but as a MAD line 2 owner I can tell you that this is one of audio's best values. I've heard preamps that cost 10 times it's price that didn't came even close to it's dinamics, clarity and lush sound.

I am looking for an amp that adds a little tube warmth, as I use a Lightspeed Attenuator with my Music Reference RM10 and RM9 SE amps, and it is about as neutral and transparent as any preamp I have ever heard - like a direct connect between source and amp. I'm looking for something to throw into the mix when I want a bit of tube warmth. Does the Mapletree lean toward modern tube neutrality, or a bit of the romantic side of things?

I haven't used a Decware but the Mapletree is a wonderful tube pre that does have a warmth to it...

I've been going back and forth on which of these to get. I've owned some top tube preamps from Joule, CAT, ARC, and Lamm, and they were all wonderful. Would really like to see if a simple, well engineered, and inexpensive design can be just as satisfying. It helps that I have one source and don't need remote, a lot of switching facilities, and no longer need audio jewelry. I get the sense that no one person has actually heard or own both of these. I guess one advatage of the Decware is that it is also a SOTA headphone amp.

Ah, the trouble with fishing in a small pond. I have the same problem from time-to-time because the gear I own, or am interested in, is not widely distributed.

I have heard neither. I have read nothing but positives about both. There is another current thread on this forum about Decware that might provide some additional information. Decware products also come with a 30 day money back guarantee. I don't know if Mapletree has a similar guarantee.