Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Fi 2b Linestage Preamplifier (Tube) by rgurney

Model:	2b Linestage
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$7000.00
Description:	Linestage only version of the 2b full function pre-amp
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by rgurney on October 28, 2010 at 09:42:35
IP Address: 66.44.54.67 Add Your Review
for the 2b Linestage

Mr_bill2 recently posted a nice review of Don Garber's Fi 2b Full Function pre-amp- the top of his line- which includes a built-in phono pre-amp. This review concerns his somewhat less expensive 2b linestage without phono function.
Like the former, it is a 2 chassis unit - a separate dual mono outboard power supply and the linestage pre-amp. Both chassis are almost the same exact size and the appearance is the typical wonderful Garber Bauhaus look - a joy to look at as well as listen to. Visual and aural entertainment in one. For those familiar with Don's works of art, you know what I mean. Much more pleasing to the eye than a metal box with LED's and handles. Pictures of his 2b full function pre-amp can be found here on the Asylum.
The Fi sound is neutral, neither bloated nor lean. It draws you into the music so you end up listening to it, rather than analyzing the sound of it. Given that, one will not tire of what one hears and feel the itch to move onto some other equipment called "an upgrade". Don doesn't do 'Mk' upgrades or call his products "reference" this or that. He doesn't need to.
The 2b linestage has 4 RCA inputs and 2 RCA outputs. It has a stereo/mono switch and a tape loop switch. There are 2 really nice brass 'wheels' - one for input selection and the other for volume control. The 2 chassis units are connected via an umbilical which can be also ordered in custom lengths as well as the standard length. The off/on switch is on the power supply.
The power supply tube complement is: a 12AT7, a 6AV5GA, a 5651, and a 6AN8. The pre-amp chassis itself has only 2 tubes-a pair of 6922's. Don supplies the unit with good quality tubes, but if one so desires, one can tweak with big dollar NOS tubes.
I used to own one of Don's original Fi Preamps - the same one Art Dudley had. This new unit is much quieter with a considerably blacker background - to overuse a phrase.
Don is a pleasure to work with, builds superb products, and gives great service. We are lucky he is with us....
You can contact him at dgfi@earthlink.net I don't have his phone number handy. Look it up.

Product Weakness:	You have to wait several months for Don to build you one after you place the order, but as Carly once said.........anticipation...<br>Don is Fi, a one man operation. Don't miss the opportunity to own one of his works. They will only go up in value. On Audiogon, they are gone in a flash. I wonder why....
Product Strengths:	A work of art that produces great sound. Simple yet elegant. Well worth the cost. You can add whichever external phono-preamp you desire if you want phono capability. The sound is like all Fi products - addictive.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Fi 300B monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Fi 2b linestage
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Meridian 508
Speakers: Cain & Cain Super Abbey
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, jazz
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Fi 300B monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Fi 2b linestage
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Meridian 508
Speakers:	Cain & Cain Super Abbey
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner