SMc Audio VRE preamp anyone?

I own one. It sounds terrific.

When things are dialed in with the VRE-1, and the equipment matching is
optimized, the preamp brings the music to life with clarity, resolution,
dynamics, and a completely black background.

I will mention two caveats. First, in my system, it sounds best at medium or
higher volume. Dynamics improve, and bass fills out. At low volumes, it lacks
a little magic. Now, with higher sensitivity speakers, this might be completely
different. I don't know. Keep in mind I can only comment about what I hear in
my system (Silverline Sonata III, Pass Labs XA-60.5, Esoteric UX-3Pi,
Modwright Platinum Transporter).

Second, the input impedance is on the low side at 10k ohms. Therefore,
using sources with high output impedances...particularly tubed sources...can
result in slightly rolled off bass (from my experience). Steve says one should
be able to use sources with output impedance as high as 800 ohms, but I
have heard distinct differences using sources with output impedances of 600
ohms, 250 ohms, and 50 ohms. In each case, lower was better. Bass is
excellent when using low output impedance sources (250 ohms or lower has
proven best in my system).

It benefits from good isolation footers. Steve recomended Grand Prix Audio
Apex footers, and he brought a set to my home to demonstrate them during
a visit. The difference with the footers was significant enough for me to
purchase a set.

You can demo it in your system at home for 30 days.

That's what I'd recommend.

Tvad

I just saw the SMC pre review. Interesting for sure. how is it superior to the Llamm pre you had?

Ever try the xa 100s?

I've been using the TDB 5150 in 2ch mode lately. it's power increases using less channels. With only two in play, it's reportedly above 210 or so.... according to Butler Audio.

it's sure an interestng musical experience. Imaging is first rate revealing what added power does for the Silverlines. too bad one can not roll the tubes though.

09-18-09: Blindjim
I just saw the SMC pre review. Interesting for sure. how is it superior to the
Llamm pre you had?

It has a lower noise floor, with the result being more detail, and life like
sound. My system with the VRE-1 and XA-60.5 running balanced is the
quietest it's been.

It was exceptionally difficult to decide between the two.

I have never tried the XA-100.5. I'd love to own a pair, but they exceed my
budget.

Tvad

"Quietest it's been."

No doubt. Balanced do do that.

tough decision... well that says something too.

I've been toying with the idea of a change in power line devices, but resist losing the tube influence. As you said however, these speaks do better with more power. Not enormously, but surely some... the Odyssey and now Butler have verified that sufficiently enough for me.

The quiet is due to more than just balanced operation. Power supply design. Lack of tubes. Parts quality...

I ran the Lamm balanced, and I ran an ARC Ref3 balanced, and neither was as quiet as the VRE-1 by a significant margin.