Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat
That's where it works best. While the MKIII is a fine preamp, it nevertheless leaves its sonic mark on the sound. With the CD source, there is some loss of resolution, a slight mid-bass bump and a narrower stage width due to its somewhat lowish separation

rw
Funny you mention this, I have the same issue with my EICO, a low mid hump. It's improved greatly with the addition of some most excellent tubes. I find it reveals itself most unnaturally on vocals, females with a husky voice like Diana Krall. That said, it's at it's worst when the db's increase, like if she belts out a lower note.

I can't say I don't care, but the HF85 certainly makes up for it's flaws. Just a magical presentation, bringing the featured instrument/vocalist WAY out front for the listener to examine or just be awe struck. Incredibly engaging which is what I prefer.

I would like to upgrade my pre down the road. I always saw myself with an SP9 but perhaps I will need to move past it in order to trounce the EICO.

What tubes are you using in your SP9?