Joule, Blue Circle, CAT SL1

Thanks Ray...i really appreciate your detailed answer.

There is also a growing amount of chatter about the Audio Horizons TP2.0 preamp. I'm still trying to work out how much is hype (i'm a decent cynic!) however one of the buyers replaced his FS Paramount SE preamp with this model.

I'm cut between wanting upmost transparency but also a slight warmth (call it distortion!) and am wondering if the TP2.0 might be too much through the Merlins..making many tracks unlistenable. I've been through THAT phase in audio and dont want to go back!

I know people have a great deal of respect for the CAT and FS preamps...all subjective at this level.

Thanks again

Richard

Richard,
You can test the Audio Horizons preamp in your system under the 30 day trial policy. I use the Audio Horizons TP 2.0 preamp through Coincident Super Eclipse MK III loudspeakers, which are not warm sounding loudspeakers. The TP 2.0 delivers a tonally balanced signal across the frequency spectrum which is not edgy at all. I imagine part of that result comes from the remarkably low signal to noise figures of the preamp (better than -110 dB with the fully tricked out version.
Rand

Blue Circle is very good stuff, but if you are buying used, the possibilty you will find a unit with a remote control is pretty slim. Sonically BC is very good. Convience is not there though.

As a former LA-100 MkIII owner, get the Joule, it has what you are looking for and is remote ready. I agree with Kenreau, the LAP-150 MkI that Signature Sound has for sale is a great preamp. I had the pleasure of listening to it at RMAF last year. For about $500 or so you can have it upgraded to MkII, which will make it an even more dynamic and extended.

Joule 150 is a great preamp for the Merlin's.