[B]The Audolici AP-01 Phono/Line Stage[/B] During the last 25 years Phono preamps, using Valeryi's own words, “grew like mushroomsâ€Â. Phono preamps designs started with 3 transistors and ended with up to 14/20. This led to a great progression in the reduction of THD (0.001@1kHz). On the other hand sound character became synthetic and transistorized. Audolici's work in analyzing what we call “diseases†opened a window. We can eliminate a dozen transistors, replace them with one valve and use classic 60's solutions with a maximum of two transistors, and create a paradox. We raise THD (0.1%@1kHz), and achieve a greater organic, uncompressed, non transistorized sound. We use transistors in the beginning of the circuit and a valve in the end, acting as driver. We sacrifice THD specs in exchange of dynamics and transparency. We call this proprietary design [B]Tube Drive Technology[/B] Audolici understands influence of various types of valves and semiconductors, and different matching between them and made a exhaustive research on this subject. A great deal of what we achieve has to do with this. The [B]Audolici AP-01[/B] is a [B]Tube Drive Technology[/B] MM phono stage that offers the facility of an extra line input. This line input also goes through the 6H1P-EB driver valve. This valve is an original military standard Russian Cold War specimen intended for missile guidance applications. We are recycling rockets into music. Where would you rather live: a world full of bomb blasts or a world full of music? :) Pretty good for warming up that "harsh" digital sound we get sometimes. This unit offers great transparency dynamics and sound stage. A great value for money. [URL="http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/audolici_ap01_e.html"]Click here for a Review on this unit by David Holgate.[/URL]