TRL, Inc. Dude Tube Research Labs 6SN7-based w/Dueland CAST output caps

This has been a mainstay of my system and I am going to see what is next around the corner. The reputation for these is not overblown.

This is a tank. Built like one. Bullet-proof. No pops, clicks, twangs, or hiccups in its performance - ever. I take exceptional care of my gear and I still have the original wooden crate with 2 inch foam liner. I have about 6 sets of tubes that can flavor this thing all over the map, so we can talk about those if interested. Very little load on the tubes in this preamp according to the late Paul Weitzel, so they will last.

I added some additional bypass caps to the soda can caps for some extra smoothing ala Grannyring and others who advised me. I had the front plate re-anodized 2 years ago by Paul for no charge as it was fading somewhat and that should not happen. So it is a nice deep blue once again.

The unit has dual volume controls (non-remote), one selector for 4 inputs (1 is pseudo XLR), 3 sets of outputs (2x RCA & 1 XLR). On-off is a breaker switch.

The unit is quiet in operation. No transformer hums. I never found it to respond to aftermarket power cords much so I never sweat it. I have a Cerious Technology Graphene Extreme on it now.

How do you want it to sound? Just change the tubes. Want it aggressive, then change the 6SN7's. Want it laid back, try some Sophia's for example. It is your playground to dabble in. The stock tubes are right down the middle neutral.

It's heavy (crated, count on 100 lbs.), tall (about 9 inches), deep and normal width.

I tangentially mention it in my review of the Samson amps I once owned: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-trl-inc-dude-samson-tube-preamp

I have paired this with 25 amps since I purchased it. Both solid state and tubed. Worked every time. I never found an amp it did not play well with. Obviously I disliked 24 of those amps way more than I trusted the Dude to get it done. It is stable and reliable. I want you to want it. You can't find preamps like these. A work of art.

Stock tubes unless you want to discuss the pairs I have. Wooden crate. I have a Lexan top for the lid in case you are prone to setting objects on flat surfaces. It happens. There is no remote volume control with this version: later on Paul gave in to pressure to add volume but he always felt it detracted from the sound by being a potential noise generator. I am all digital so I can adjust via my dac if needed, but I set it at 10 clicks each for SS amps and 8 clicks each for tubed amps.

I will include a Harmonic Technology AC-11 power cable at asking price.

My pictures are not great. Can be seen in my All Out Assault systems page:

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/6230

I also forgot to mention that I have Dueland CAST output caps installed as well. Huge improvement several years ago.