This preamp exemplifies minimalism at it's best. It has two inputs, two outputs, two switches, two knobs, and a seperate power supply that is a TANK. Build quality is extraordinary. And this is just the beginning...
This preamp is a transparent window to the music coming off the source. It is the ultimate preamp soundwise... NEUTRAL. I have never heard it's equal. And if I have... it probably costs $10,000 or more.

The only bad thing about this preamp is that it is only sold through Morrison Audio in Canada. Basically, you cannot listen to it before you buy it... This generally breaks my rule #1 of HIFI: ALWAYS LISTEN TO A PIECE IN YOUR SYSTEM BEFORE YOU BUY IT.

Unless you have a friend who's got one (and will let you borrow it), you are going need to take a leap of faith that what I'm saying is true. I think it is not such a bad leap, considering this little guy only costs around $600!

At $600 it is the steal of the century in preamplification. This kind of sound quality from Krell or Mark Levinson or other hi end manufacturers would easily cost $5k-$10k+

All I can say is BUY IT! Actually... even if you don't buy it that is ok to... because Mr. Morrison needs some time to work on an amp to match this wonderful piece... Call me selfish... but I want him to design that amp.

Sincerely,

Keith

System Components:
Alon II mk2 speakers (Soon to go in my HT system and be replaced by Maggies)
Plinius SA100 mk3 amp (A sound that can only be described as divine)
Morrison ELAD Preamp (See review)
Monarchy Model 22C DAC (A wonderful DAC, there are better... but much more exp)
Arcam 8SE Transport HDCD Player (A nice CD player and transport)
Vampire ST-1 Speaker Cable (What can I say... my locat dealer sells Vampire)
Vampire OFC/OFS Silver interconnect (Great detail for price of interconnect)
Adcom 515 ACE AC Conditioner (inexpensive way to condition AC)

"Transparent" by design. Extremely low noise floor. Very reasonably priced. Highly attractive.

I recently purchased an E.L.A.D. (Electronic Line Amplification Device). I have nothing but total satisfaction to write about. How does one build such a wonderful piece of audio equipment for less than $1,000.00? Morrison knows how, and I can only hope that many others will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to upgrade their high-end systems for such a reasonable price.
The E.L.A.D. is truly the best line stage amplifier that I have ever listened to. I simply couldn't believe what I was missing until I removed the "approved audiophile-grade" tube preamp from my system (which I thought was the cat's meow), and connected the Morrison unit. The difference was simply astounding! I then realized that my beloved vacuum tube circuitry was not only adding distortion by the truckload, but also shaping the sound. I could instantly recognize cleaner highs, an extended low end - and perfection between these extremes. I must say that I couldn't wipe the smile from my face for quite some time!
Morrison warned that "the E.L.A.D. won't mask any shortcomings upstream..." I've found this out firsthand. I have been able to hear errors on several of my compact discs that I never knew were there. Simply amazing!
As the owner of a small electronics company, it was only natural for me to peek under the covers of the E.L.A.D. and the E.R.P.S. (that's the Electronic Regulated Power Supply). These units are pure artwork. They are sewn together so neatly that I was in utter amazement! And in my business, I've seen the insides of quite a number of amplifiers and other audio equipment.
I would rate this thing at six stars if I could!

Major window into the listening experience

only 2 inputs

I have used this product for about three months and
cannot find anything wrong. It is a transparent window
into the music.
This preamp is a true bargain and should be thought of
as good as any out there.
This Morrison guy knows his stuff.

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Audible Illusions 3a

build quality, clean sound,ease of setup

none

I bought my first component hi-fi system in 1953. Since then
I have tried to improve my system through the years. When I determined recently that an upgrade of a preamplifier was in order I scanned this and other sites for ideas. I read glowing reports about a line device that I had never heard of, the ELAD. I went thru the drill, calling Don and getting on the list. Other reviews glowingly describe the packing and shipping but what most impressed me was the utter NO STRESS ZONE of dealing with MR Morrison. He simply delivers what he says he will. I admit that I was reluctant at first but I got over it.
Now, I note in a couple of recent reviews phrases like "no detail,covered up flaws,shallow soundstage,and harshness". With all due respect ,if that is the case the unit is in need of repair and should sent to Don for service, because the one thing that the ELAD is NOT is harsh.
Not having heard everything in HIGH END I can't say that the ELAD is the best out there but I will state that it is DEAD quiet and that it subtly reveals more in my better recording than I thought was there. I love my ELAD! I can't imagine ever having a need to replace it.
MY CURRENT SYSTEM

Maggie 3.6
Bryston 4Bst
Elad
Marschand electronic x-over
Arcam FMJ CD23
Sunfire sub

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adcom sony

Sound and Built Qualities and of course Don

none

I bought this preamp from Don after reading all of the wonderful reviews here. Like many of you, I was skeptical at first, but after I talked to Don, I went ahead with the purchase.

Three months later, the ELAD preamp came in packed to the extreme! This package would survive any UPS horror stories...When I opened it up, the thing was built like a spaceship! It is also has a very simple elegant appearance. At first, I was worried that the two separate volume controllers might be a hassle but after I plugged it in, all my worries disappeared. It made a huge improvement in my system, the soundstage and the detail was incredible.

The next day, I talked to Don and asked him what would he recommned for the power amp, he suggested that I get the Bryston 4B ST, which Bryston would let Don sell only if it is sold along with the ELAD. I went ahead and made a downpayment for the Bryston. Two week later, Don called to inform me that the price of the Bryston has gone down because they gave him a break. Can you believe this guy!!! Don is the most genuine and sincere person that I have ever dealt with.

When my Bryston arrived, I plugged it in and BAM! It is a match made in heaven! These two units sounds absolutely wonderful together. The Bryston is very similar in built quality and customer service. The 20 warranty from Bryston isnt bad either. The Bryston does take a long time to break in, it took me about 2 months for the sounds to settle down. But when it does, you will have a music system to last you a lifetime.

I have heard a speaker system that disappear, but this is the first time that I have ever experience a preamp disappear!!! When you turn on the music, the ELAD is not even there and your mind is not paying attention to it but to the wonderful music that envelopes you. I cannot remember a time when I enjoy listening to music like I do now, I hardly ever watch tv anymore.

Although I dont have deep pocket to burn, I dont believe there is an equal to the ELAD, regardless of cost. And as far as customer service goes, I am absolutely certain that there are no equal to Don!!! If anyone of you thinking of buying a preamp, I would suggest you go listen to everything that is out there and then purchase the ELAD from Don, you will never regret it.

Don, thank you for the wonderful product that an average person can afford! And get some help and rest man!

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Denon pre

price,build quality,service,unbelievable sound

none

in march i blew out a tweeter in my speaker. my system was 10 yrs old so i used this incident as an excuse to buy a new system. i was going to go with an integrated amp. i was checking out stuff on this site when i saw that one and only one product had been reviewed more than 20 times and received a rating of 5 each and every time. i was intrigued and investigated further. i then decided to build my entire system around the ELAD. i now have an ELAD,a Bryston 4B-ST,an NAD S-500 CD unit, and PSB stratus silveri speakers. i used the ELAD with my old Definitive Technology BP-10s and the amp portion of my NAD 7000 receiver. what an amazing difference with the ELAD. For once in my life i can say that I own the absolute best in the world of a particular product. you can have it all. don is a great guy. not motivated solely by money. wants to make a great product,which he does. could make much much more but would have to sell to some corporate oufit and lose control of manufacturing process. that is impressive. great great product.

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the preamp portion of my old NAD receiver

transparency

none

It is difficult to add any additional praise for this product and its maker and not repeat earlier comments. Every positive comment below is true. "Elegant" is an appropriate one-word description. Elegant in its performance, design, construction, simplicity and value. Listening at low volumes for the first time is satisfying to me, producing an ancillary benefit in marital relations. My hat is off to Don Morrison - not many people can produce a product so universally acclaimed!

My system:

Morrison E.L.A.D. (with headphone box)
MSB Linc DAC III (with upsampling option)
Legacy Focus Speakers
Cinepro 1K2SE Amplifier
Pioneer 1039 300+1 CD Megachanger

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Bryston

sound- all of it, as it was recorded.

none

I was skeptical of all the rave reviews. Talking with Don eased my initial concerns, but I would never have believed I could get so much quality for this price. I tried out pre-amps selling in the same price range all the way up to highly rated tube preamps at over four times the price. I was very impressed with a couple but nothing brought better sounds to my ears and at a fraction of the cost. I even unpacked my old record collection (a couple of hundred LP's dating back to the early 60's, cleaned them up bought a Rega planar 3 and am in hog heaven. My so-in-law liked the ELAD so much, I bought him one to help upgrade his system. The audiophiles who have written reviews know all the jargon and terminology, and I agree with all of their positives statements I understand. I could not be happier with my ELADs or my dealings with Don. I got fantastic preamps at a great price and have had a "helluva" good time doing it.

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Rotel, cj, Carver

Like several of the ELAD owners, I purchased the pre-amp from Don after reading the raving reviews here on Audioreview. I was anything but disappointed, and here is my $0.02 about the ELAD.

Description:
The ELAD is very well built, and premium parts are used through out both the pre-amp unit and the external power supply. Two polished metal knobs on the face plate adjust the left and right channels individually, and two switches are provided for switching between the two inputs and muting the unit. The binding posts are first rate, and the power cord is as solid as they come. The unit is obviously assembled painstakingly by hand, with great care and skill. The external power supply, which is a LOT heavier than it looks, has the same sleek, industrial silhouette as the pre-amp; it is connected to the pre-amp via a single XLR cable, which Don had conveniently included with unit.

Performance/Operation:
The ELAD is not the quietest pre-amp in the world; how can you qualify a pre-amp as the "quietest in the world" when it doesn't have any perceivable sound?! The sheer silence of the ELAD has made auditioning for the rest of my components much easier. It ruthlessly reveals the sonic characteristics of an individual component, and thus enabled better synergy of the system through better component matching. The two volume control knobs feel solid and assuring. The binding posts are located conveniently for easy changing of cables or switching sources. Being a no-nonsense pre-amp, some user-friendly features, such as remote control and additional inputs, are excluded as part of the purist design.* Conclusion: I cannot be happier with the ELAD; it is everything it is said to be (and more).

My system:
CD Player: Adcom GCD-750
Pre-amp: Morrison ELAD
Power Amp: Audiosource Amp2 (bridged pair, likely my next upgrade)
Speakers: NHT VT1.2
Cables: Morrison IC and MIT Terminator 2 IC/Speaker cables (bi-wired version)

*A switch box with additional inputs can be ordered from Don for an additional fee

p.s.
I can't wait to try out Don's speakers, and if he ever decides to design a power amp, put me down for one (or a pair)!

Transparency and detail
Support from Don Morrison
Well made but still a simple design
Price (it's a steal)

None that I can tell

I bought this unit totally on the word of all the faithful reviewers. Using a conrad johnson PV12AL preamp (with Telefunken 12AU7s), I thought the cj would be hard to beat at its price. The triple layer of protection used for shipping the preamp was also impressive.

I must state that I was worried that this solid state preamp might be too analytical or too bright sounding as tube preamps can really soften the sound although some leave their signature behind. After turning on the unit, all my fears were quickly gone. The very first thing I noticed was transparency. The vocals and instruments all sounded much more natural as well. I will continue to notice more and more in the coming months and years ahead. I should restate that you need some quality components to really make this preamp shine (as earlier noted).

I was one of only a few people to find a used Morrison ELAD. The reason for the sale was that the person wanted a remote controlled unit costing some $4000 (Placette Audio). I even talked to Don and mentioned about buying this used, and he stated that he hadn't received one unit back needing repair as of yet (great guy). This one is definitely a keeper and it will not bother me having to get up to adjust the volume level to get this level of performance. Thank you Don for adding so much more to my music (and making it affordable to the mainstream listeners). Please put me to the waiting list if you ever design an amplifier. Less is more….

My other components:
conrad johnson MF 2200 amplifier
Rega Planet (used as transport only)
EVS Millennium DAC 1b (This is also as great as its reviews) www.tweakaudio.com (also use the EVS digital cable)
Thiel CS2 2 speakers
Velodyne ULD 15 subwoofer
Harmonic Technologies Truth Link interconnects
Tara Labs Master Generation II speaker cables
Chang 6400 ISO Litespeed power conditioner for the front end
Stealth FAC power cord for DAC

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cj PV12AL (tube)
cj PF2L (solid state)