Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat View Post
Gee Feanor, I don't know how to respond. It would definitely help for us to hear each other's systems to evaluate the overall synergy. I've never heard either the SDS nor the Forte, so I just don't have any perspective.

Here are some random thoughts:

The new 1.7 is considered brighter than the 1.6. Is the 1.6 itself a bit rolled off? I heard the 3.7 at Harry's and found it had a nice extension at the top.

Passive arrangements are definitely subject to top end roll off if the capacitance isn't extremely low. Do you know the total value of your cables?
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I've often heard passive preamps blamed for dulling the dynamics, though I never felt I had a problem with the SDS amp. With the Forte I was using 4 foot cable, either Blue Jeans LC-1 at 12.2 pF/ft or Belden 1505F at 17 pF/ft.

Thef Forte is much softer than the SDS; but while the latter are bright, I've never considered it "etched" or grainy.

I am giving serious thought to getting an active preamp once again. Presently I'm looking at an Audio Research LS9, (solid state), on the 'Gon. I expect that it's about as clean & neutral as I'll get for the money, and it's a balanced design.