silence, sound quality, simplicity, built quality, good looks, AMAZING GOOD DEAL

on off switch location not the most accesible, but no big deal

Very quiet (all silver wiring)
excellent sound- tone, transient response, stage imaging
looks like a work of art, very simple selector button and volume, in addition ot power switch.
Definitely not the suburban remote control type, but the sound is the best in the less than $3000 I've heard.
Don Gerber is a pleasure to deal with.

Similar Products Used:

Arcam, NAD,Cary, VAC, wright sound

This simple tube preamp is one the best period. Keep in mind that it costs less than a grand, it outperforms units that costs thousands. Instruments become much larger than usual and vocals sound smooth as can be. This is much better than any solid state at any price.

If your in the market for a tube preamp, regardless of price, this is the one to have. I've heard preamps costing Fives as much, and they don't compare (well they can, but at much higher prices). As far as music goes, the soundstage is very wide, tonal balance is very smooth ( the frequencies blend perfect together) vocals are grain free,and instruments sound almost as large as life (solid state tends to make intruments sound small). On the downside it's noisey and you'll probaly have to change tubes every two years (there are two Sovtek 6922 tubes). All decriptions are typical tube traits. This is also one of the coolest looking components I've ever seen.