Soundhound,

How does the specs on your vacuum tube pre-amp stack up to digital pre-amps ? probably not so good, but I guess since you own it you must "prefer" the sound. I havent did my homework and you have ?..Ive actually demoed the equipment with my EARS and to me thats the only thing that counts. How can you be so sure by specs alone that you would prefer the 950 over anything else just because the specs are close. Whether your engineer traights tell you their are no differnces, the sound from every pre-pro is a bit different..for whatever reason..

If I were to go by specs alone I wouldnt even consider a tube-pre or a turntable either..I just dont go by that philoshpy..but I dont have a problem with somebody who makes decisions based on specs alone..Ive did my homework in a way that is important to me

PS. I CAN be objective in my a/b-ing,,I always want the less expensive unit to sound better as to save a buck when I can.If it does it does and if it doesnt..I will pony up and spend the cash