Modern Linestages


This is a general question about how complex and expensive some linestages have become. I'm looking to understand why? I can grasp that really good volume controls are complicated and that equally good switches are not inexpensive. I also have a general understanding of the importance of a high quality power supply, which again is not going to come cheap. I just don't comprehend how you get to a 50lbs. plus preamps that cost well over $20k. Is this level of complexity really needed or is it the equivalent of the spate of 500hp "sedans" for every day driving?
128x128onhwy61
I agree with Charles1dad, yes in theory ... I bought a LSA for the summer. Use 1 week when new and 4 days 2 weeks ago and back in the box it goes. Miss my active, LSA is good but just doesn't pull me into the music, not by a long shot.
Just to make my earlier post more clear, I meant that I believe that with active line stages, a well-designed, well-implemented power supply is a VERY important element. I am told (no knowledge in this area) the actual circuit can be very simple. Assuming that is the case, then I think that the power supply becomes the critical variable.
First, thank you Swampwalker for the kind remarks.
An example of what the OP may have intended is the
Conrad-Johnson Classic Preamp. No frills, no remote, just a good product for two channel. Being sold at a reasonable(according to audiophile standards) price.
So yes it can be done, simplicity whether in audio or life never comes easy.
Charles1dad,

Well said and spot on based on my experience. Fact is a great active is the heart and soul and often times the difference maker or "magic" in my past systems.

Give me the "dinosaur" as it just sound sounds right! Modern sound (high end)to my ears is becoming far to threadbare sounding and lacking in body and weight. Details are fired at us often times forcing me away rather then drawing me into the music.
Grannyring,
Regarding the direction of some "modern" components your comments are astute. When I attend live performances(unamplified jazz groups) they consistently sound rather,full,rich,round toned and yes warm. Even when they play very fast tempo music it`s still very full bodied and preserves a sense of ease and density(same is true of classical music programs). What ever turn high end audio made toward the lean,clinical and thin tonality destination in the name of accuracy(their version of it, I guess). Well I`ll travel a different highway.Thanks, but no thanks.