Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Stereo Knight Enigma Preamplifier (Tube) by vickgeo@live.com

Model:	Enigma
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1595
Description:	tube/tvc preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Stereo Knight
Model Picture:	View

Review by vickgeo@live.com on August 30, 2009 at 21:43:28
IP Address: 76.204.16.177 Add Your Review
for the Enigma

This is only a partial, preliminary review of a truly exceptional preamp that I had the good fortune to sample in my system for a couple of weeks.
The Enigma came into my home almost by accident. I had actually ordered the Silverstone B&R, a four transformer TVC, from Stereo Knight. Because he didn't have a Silverstone ready for sale, James Zheng of Stereo Knight offered to send me an Enigma, a slightly more expensive four tube, four transformer hybrid to listen to (and perhaps buy) while I awaited the availability of the Silverstone.
The Enigma features two 6H30 and two 6922 tubes, four transformers, all solid core square POCC wiring, multiple XLR and RCA inputs and outputs, and remote control and display of all functions.
Build quality is not just good, it is amazing. At fifty pounds, it outweighs many amps. No doubt some of this heft is due to the presence of four transformers, but that is only part of the story, beacause much of this unit's massiveness stems from its robust case. The faceplate, for instance is 3/4" thick aluminum, the top and sides are 1/4", and the interior is further braced with a 1/2" aluminum partition and 1/2" braces.
This preamp is BUILT! And beautiful to behold. Of course none of this would mean much if all the beauty were only empty promise.
Does the Enigma deliver the goods? In short, yes. It is uber-clean, excells at dynamics, both macro and micro, and provides that lit-from-within glow that I previously thought only top drawer pure tube equipment can.
How good is it? Good enough that I am replacing my Stereophile "A" rated Adcom 750 with one of Mr. Zheng's products.

Product Weakness:	No channel reverse or mono funtions. Awfully high gain (20db) for some amps, but can be adjusted at the factory. May be too large and heavy for some small, light equipment racks.
Product Strengths:	Huge "bang for the buck" ($5000 preamp for $1600?), build quality, sonics to die for.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Two PS Audio Trio A100, used as monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Adcom 750
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Cambridge 840C CDP
Speakers: NSM Armada System w/2 subs
Cables/Interconnects: Oyaide Tunami, VH Audio, Shunyata, Neotech, Element
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, jazz, a little 60's rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 15 x 11 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Various
Time Period/Length of Audition: Three weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): BPT conditioner, 2 Quantum Symphonies
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition

Amplifier:	Two PS Audio Trio A100, used as monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Adcom 750
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cambridge 840C CDP
Speakers:	NSM Armada System w/2 subs
Cables/Interconnects:	Oyaide Tunami, VH Audio, Shunyata, Neotech, Element
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz, a little 60's rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 11 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Various
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Three weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	BPT conditioner, 2 Quantum Symphonies
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition