Thanks for the comments. I think I do have the latest incarnation of the EMC-1. I know it is not the last word in digital reproduction. I did evaluate a few single box rigs and it offered me the best price/performance since I was able to get a substantial discount. My critial listening is done via vinyl. So far I am using the phono section of the Levinson. It will do for now but eventually I plan to make a serious re-evaluation of my phono amplification section. As for why picking the Levinson, well there are two reasons. First, I listened to a number of tube preamps and just found the sound in my system was too 'tuby'- bloated bass, unreal high frequency - just not tonally accurate. The Levinson sounded in my system, to my ears, quite transparent allowing the front end to perform very well. Now the second reason... there was a time when I would not accept remote control in my audio gear. I was a purist damn it! : ) But as life changes you need your creature comfort. While the Levinson may not be the *best* preamp (what is?) it certainly has enough sonic stength, as well as versatility, ergonomics and creature comforts to make my listening sessions highly pleasurable. Gone for me are the days of 'hair shirt' audio! But then I'm just getting old....
