Valvesound Preamps

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Francois

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I had the pleasure to have Willem (valvesound) demo his latest creation at my place. man I love his designs...simple as possible.

I first heard the "version 1" about 18 months ago and was already impressed. At the DIT show it stood out as an already complete and market "ready" product..... and he improved it

Version 2.....and a new design in the wings too.

So how does it sound ? Quite remarkable actually! It was up against the Audio Research LS17SE, very unfair but very enlightening experience.

No it wasnt better, but remember the LS17SE is based on Reference 5...and 40+ years of pre-amp development.  :thinking:
Was it night and day ? NO  :stop:

To me it had a sound firmly between LS5/BAT VK30/CJ PV10 and LS17SE

Open, natural sound, but oh so quiet. It has a beautiful valve character. A sweetness, and good solid bass
I think its strength lies in the midrange.  :clap:

It doesnt have the delicate airiness of the LS17, something I pick up on very revealing speakers. Airiness like in a slight "ether" surrounding you when it plays. Something that fills the air and wraps around you. I dont hear that often. Even my Hovland lacks that.

Does it sound like a Valve audio ? Surprisingly no, different. I will put it towards Conrad Johnson sound. VA tends to sound like the BAT camp. Both amps are not neutral, thank goodness

Neither are ever clinical, harsh or too revealing. NEVER sound like a SS preamp!!  :thumbs:

I REALLY hope we see both versions on DIY show!

Is this a R100k product ? No, not yet. Is it a bargain ? YES, very much so. I think a LOT of systems will benefit from this preamp!

Willem, time to put it out there bud!
 
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