Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Don Allen Linestage Tube Preamplifier Preamplifier (Tube) by giantnutz

Model:	Linestage Tube Preamplifier
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$750
Description:	Minimalistic tube preamp with four inputs and one output
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by giantnutz on February 01, 2012 at 17:16:43
IP Address: 50.46.214.149 Add Your Review
for the Linestage Tube Preamplifier

Just got my Don Allen linestage pre and thought I'd give my initial impressions after the first day or so in my system.
The differences between this and the Parasound Halo P3 I was using are profound. The soundstage increased immensely in both width and depth. The highs are extended and very detailed. Low level detail is incredible. Bass is low and tight. Really nice.
Where the P3 had a tightly focused center image, the D.A. has a very "holographic" quality. Its almost "echoey" in some cases. Not sure what to make of this. Could be the tube sound, or maybe I need to adjust speaker placement.
I will certainly experiment and give it some time in my system before deciding if its the right flavor for me.

Product Weakness:	?
Product Strengths:	soundstage

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: B&K ref 125.2 s2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Don Allen linestage
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pro-ject Xpression 2
Speakers: Vandersteen 2ci
Cables/Interconnects: monster cheapies
Music Used (Genre/Selections): classic rock, jazz
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition

Amplifier:	B&K ref 125.2 s2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Don Allen linestage
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pro-ject Xpression 2
Speakers:	Vandersteen 2ci
Cables/Interconnects:	monster cheapies
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	classic rock, jazz
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition