Amp/Preamp Asylum: RE: I too, have been happy with the UMC200 in the HT by E-Stat

The review is actually of the Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2 preamplifier

Understood. There are, however, more similarities than differences.

the XSP-1 offers a good phono preamplifier with both moving magnet and moving coil options.

I have no doubt that the unit is good. That is what I would expect. To what have you compared it other than another Emotiva unit?

If there is another current preamplifier offering similar features and better performance near the cost of the XSP-1, please enlighten this forum.

I would likely prefer a used Audio Research unit like the one I recently retired for music playback than one that is op amp based.

Perhaps it is a matter of perspective having been around my audio reviewer friends. I tend to judge components against what is available on the market. Do I find that my $9000 preamp is without any weaknesses? No. I can think of at least half a dozen units, albeit pricey ones, that provide a better soundstage and are able to disappear better with superior transparency. I would make the same observation about most all my components.

With merely a "good for the money" approach, one might say that the $30 Dayton Audio T-amp has no *weaknesses*. I purchased one for my sister-in-law driving Radio Shack Minimus 7s for her computer.