Zaphod Beeblebrox

OK. That's your right, of course. Fairy tale? Not a chance. Passive controllers (all different sorts - LDR based ones, high quality switched types, high end pots, et al) are among the best preamps I've ever heard. NO doubt about it. However, that presupposes EVERYTHING in the system is suitably optimised for the impedances and gains concerned. A blameless, well designed preamp does all that and considerably more. AND, of course, optimising everything around the preamp is much, much easier. As for schematics, I'm sure you can figure somethign out for yourself. I have little interest in OP amps, as discrete devices are still the best way to go. IMO, of course. Lastly: Of course the term 'blameless' can be used, when the device is properly designed and implemented. Unlike a passive controller, where a Metre too much interconnect will wipe out HF, or a slight impedance mis-match buggers up dynamics. Which of the specifications in this preamp do you feel will contribute to audible flaws: https://www.marklevinson.com/productdetail/~/product/no52.html

Yeah, I've done it. On a one-off basis, it's fairly expensive (about $500.00 ~ $1,000.00), but for several units, the cost would come down significantly.

Not quite. The beauty of using a WELL DESIGNED, blameless active preamp, which has adequate gain for any purpose and exhibiting minimal output impedance, is that it can be used with ANY source and ANY power amp and ANY type or length of interconnect cables. So, a preamp for all.

Ever more rare. I'll keep an eye out.

Nope. That's an ME14 (no phono). Otherwise, yes.

Sadly know. They're are rare as rocking horse poo.

Always. I have something suitable.

Nope. Just being sneaky. And you know it.,

International Dynamics is/was the importer for Oppo. International Dynamics is one the oldest, most respected importers in Australia. I have absolute trust in their support for any product they sell.

There is absolutely no responsibility for AtA to correct the fault under warranty, regardless of who owns it. It is clearly misuse. That said, AtA may decide to repair the product at a nominal charge.

If you have no luck over there and are prepared to pay freight both ways (about $40.00 each way, best guess), then I may be able to loan you an excellent active preamp.

As I understand it, 220VAC is 3 phase mains in the US. I didn't think they had 220VAC single phase, though I could be wrong. Here's some more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity "Many areas, such as the US, which use (nominally) 120 V make use of three-wire, split-phase 240 V systems to supply large appliances. In this system a 240 V supply has a centre-tapped neutral to give two 120 V supplies which can also supply 240 V to loads connected between the two line wires. Three-phase systems can be connected to give various combinations of voltage, suitable for use by different classes of equipment. Where both single-phase and three-phase loads are served by an electrical system, the system may be labelled with both voltages such as 120/208 or 230/400 V, to show the line-to-neutral voltage and the line-to-line voltage. Large loads are connected for the higher voltage. Other three-phase voltages, up to 830 volts, are occasionally used for special-purpose systems such as oil well pumps. Large industrial motors (say, more than 250 hp or 150 kW) may operate on medium voltage. On 60 Hz systems a standard for medium voltage equipment is 2400/4160 V (2300/4000 V in the US) whereas 3300 V is the common standard for 50 Hz systems."

Sometimes, that can be the effect. A dry solder joint is, essentially, a high resistance and/or intermittent fault. Depending on the location of the dry solder joint, it's effects can be quite varied and difficult to locate. Not usually, but it is possible. Not usually.

Yes. No. You will need a schematic and you will need to perform some measurements to determine where the fault lies. Your RA-12 will operate just fine without a load, as a preamp.

Agreed.