Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: FT Audio LW-1 Preamplifier (SS) by NEAR SOTA

Model:	LW-1
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$500.00
Description:	passive preamp
Manufacturer URL:	FT Audio
Manufacturer URL:	FT Audio

Review by NEAR SOTA ( A ) on February 08, 2003 at 03:17:40
IP Address: 172.148.187.26

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for the LW-1

LW-1 after 5mos. In my system!
This is a used unit so there was no need of break-in.
System:
Pre-Amp comparisons Rotel and other noted Pre-amps in this price range I have experience with in this price range are NAD\HK\Anthem
Amp--B&K ST-202 Modified---Sensitivity=1.4 Impedence=24.3Kohms(Changing to Monarchy SE-100Deluxes soon with the advice from P.Lam )
Spkrs.--NEAR M15 (Modified Mid\Bass Driver) Sensitivity=87db@1m(rough est.)
Sub--NHT Subonei W\amp
CDP--Phillips CD-80
DAC--ART DIO(smART version) Canare LV77S (Boulder Cable coming)
Cables--OTA Cable was used throughout system with the exception of the Digital Cable .
Using Roger Water's Amused to Death to test soundstage dispersion
I found that the width and info extended further than it had
with either using an old Rotel or CD Direct!
Bass is well defined and might be alittle under weight. I have a Sub
so there is no real issue I can really say is missing from that
area and my speaker's do go down to the 32-35Hz range easily. In
fact for system's with a Bass overemphasis I think it might be
A godsend!
In the Mid-range I will say is very transparent. If you have any
thing in your chain that is a weak link then it will shine through!
Depending on your speaker's you will know what it is! My philos. is
that if you have sensitive equipment then the more you will
hear a difference!
Some recordings used were:
Roger Waters-Amused to Death
Procol Harem-A Salty Dog
Jeff Beck-Guitar Shop
Richard Wright-Wet Dreams
Pink Floyd-Umma Gumma(Down the Narrow Path)
Goo Goo Dolls(Very good recording)
Oingo Bongio-Long Breakdown(not recorded at High Levs)
Stan Ridgeway-His whole collection!
Classical:
Batok
Beethoven 5th&9th
Wagner
Stravinsky
Mozart
Blues:
BB King
Howlin Wolf
Compared to the Rotel I was impressed by the soundstage and greater transpancy.Placement of instraments in the soundstage are more defined in placemant Horazontaly & Verticaly.
Mods and Add-Ons to consider for tweekers:
One of the things that makes the unit great is itâ€™s versitlity for the number of Inputs\Outputs and the X-Coupler circuitry that will allow you more room to choose amplification
I believe the unit is more versatile than the Creek unit and less expensive than the Placetteâ€™s which I hope someone does a review of in comparision to this unit modified with a DACT and Stock form.
For tweekerâ€™s you can re-wire the unit if you think it would help,but the wire is great with the stock version or have Paul use another Vol. Pot like the DACT ,but there again the ALPS POT is not bad at all in the quality department or you can DIY.
.There shall be a Remote Version add-on that I think is in progress so that option will be available to a remote laden world and should not deter you from getting one at present.
Boulder MENSA version of the ART DAC which I thank Paul for the tip for this DAC.Do get rid of the Stock PS it comes with.Atari PS works well.
Channel Is. and Scott Nixons are other DAC's that are available to get for the price point.
Lastly I want to thank Paul Lam for all the assistance and tips he provided.Excellent man to get advice from in search of getting most cost effective system on the planet that is purely musical.
Thanks for taking the time to read!
NS

Product Weakness: Might be system matching,but not in my case.Light Bass for some
Product Strengths: Transparency!Number of Input Outputs,X-Coupler Circuitry

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	B&K ST-202 Modified
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rotel
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Phillips CD-80
Speakers:	NEARS
Cables/Interconnects:	OTA\CANARE
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	ROCK\CLASSICAL\JAZZ\MIXED
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Might be system matching,but not in my case.Light Bass for some
Product Strengths:	Transparency!Number of Input Outputs,X-Coupler Circuitry