Agear, and I respect your point of view although we disagree on a few points, which is certainly not uncommon among audiophiles. If you see my opinion as being wrong regarding a comparison of the VRE-1 and The Dude preamps, then I accept that this is your opinion, and I see no reason to debate.
I only responded to this thread to correct a post regarding pricing of the VRE-1. I didn't want to get involved in a discussion of the VRE-1 versus The Dude, and I should have refrained from commenting on one poster's interest in a comparison.
I have owned or listened to many preamps in my system over the years primarily because I enjoy hearing different components. Simple as that. All the preamps had excellent attributes. None were particularly lacking unless they just didn't match well due to impedance or noise issues. Some I preferred more than others. There is no perfect preamp *in my opinion*.
Of them all, considering my most recent system configuration with Audio Note AN-E/SPe HE speakers (and also with previously owned Silverline Sonata III speakers), the VRE-1 has proven to be the preamp I prefer the most.
As far as a shootout in Southern California is concerned, there are logistical issues in my system that preclude hosting it. I run all balanced except for the amps. I use 30 foot balanced interconnects, and I convert XLR to RCA at the amps utilizing Jensen isolating transformers to eliminate ground loop issues involved with single ended equipment. There are simply too many variables to make a fair and valid comparison, so I will pass.
I only responded to this thread to correct a post regarding pricing of the VRE-1. I didn't want to get involved in a discussion of the VRE-1 versus The Dude, and I should have refrained from commenting on one poster's interest in a comparison.
I have owned or listened to many preamps in my system over the years primarily because I enjoy hearing different components. Simple as that. All the preamps had excellent attributes. None were particularly lacking unless they just didn't match well due to impedance or noise issues. Some I preferred more than others. There is no perfect preamp *in my opinion*.
Of them all, considering my most recent system configuration with Audio Note AN-E/SPe HE speakers (and also with previously owned Silverline Sonata III speakers), the VRE-1 has proven to be the preamp I prefer the most.
As far as a shootout in Southern California is concerned, there are logistical issues in my system that preclude hosting it. I run all balanced except for the amps. I use 30 foot balanced interconnects, and I convert XLR to RCA at the amps utilizing Jensen isolating transformers to eliminate ground loop issues involved with single ended equipment. There are simply too many variables to make a fair and valid comparison, so I will pass.