I used a Conrad-Johnson solid state PFR preamp for many years after reading many, many favorable reviews of that unit. It was outstanding, but I wanted to get a unit that they would bury me with(I'm 71) and so read a ton of reviews on pre amps. I started with "hi-fi' in the late 50s and have listened to everything at one time or another and have been building a system slowly getting used equipment from those guys who simply must have the latest, greatest thing every time a new TAS or Stereophile comes out. A woman on Audiogon bought this unit for her second system but decided to sell it at the usual half price. I couldn't wait to send her the $. It has gotten wonderful reviews from everybody who has listened to it. They are right. It is so neutral with so compelling a soundscape and tonal correctness that it's difficult to block out the music and listen to the sound (only for the purposes of this review). I love to hear the sound of a piano key kitting the wire before hearing the note. Jazz? Ever heard Ben Websters vibrato when there is no sound except the air in the bell of his sax pushing against your chest. Clear, clean, neutral and round. Explosive, crisp and sweet. It's going into the casket.