Modern Linestages

Mikelavigne, thanks for your response. It's good to hear the opinion of someone who has extensive experience with such high quality products.

My question isn't really about value or sound quality. It's more about why are these products so complex. The expense is a byproduct of the complexity. Think A.I. when I say this, "linestages, we're talking about linestages!" How complex do they need to be?

In my earlier reference to high horsepower sedans, I understand that manufacturers make statement products that demonstrate the limits of what they can do. But such products raise the question that beyond a challenging technical/manufacturing exercise, what's the point?

BTW, Mikelavigne's preamp is at the low end of the cost scale compared to some recent entries.

For your car comparison.
If you want the feel and prestige of a Ferarri, you do have to buy a Fararri.
Same with high end preamps.
If all you want is a decent (cheap) preamp, buy an old Hafler. $100.
I currently own three preamps:
Bryston BP-26 $5,000.
Audio Research Sp-15 $7,000 when new
VAC Standard $4,000 when new.

After purchasing Dr. Peppard's Mapletree 2A/SE Linestage I asked him this question. He said he did not know why they were so complicated. After all, his is simple and inexpensive, and IMO is a classic giant killer (granted, no balanced or digital inputs, but I don't care 'cause the sound is superb!). Seems to me they need not be.

and how many sources?
:D

If simplicity also meant inexpensive it would be nice. All to often something that is very simply made, almost elegant, is a work of extreme craftsmanship. A simple circuit will do but when you extend that to better/purer resistors, capacitors, etc. etc. and so forth, simplicity adds up to a lot of costs real quick.
A Swiss watch is a thing of beauty, not a lot of moving parts but try getting one for the cost of a Timex.
Sometimes paying more gets you more and sometimes it is a case of a fool and his money are soon parted.