the new pre I moved on to....i was just foreshadowing. I dont actualy have it yet, but it is the Musical Fidelity CD-PRE 24. Its a solid state preamp, a CD/HDCD transport and upsampling 24/96 DAC..oh, and a 16/44 ADC w/remote in a one box stop. It costs a few grand, but i found one used and still under warranty for peanuts comparred to its new price. it replaces my Symphonies tube pre, my Philips 963sa SACD player and my smART DIO DAC..all in one. I figure I can get an easy $300 each for those componants, so it almost pays for itself. Almost.
I have yet to hear it, but I am betting that it will smoke. I'm going to get it before I sell off my stuff so that I can see just how good it is comparred to my current individual componants. I've been horny for a good integrated, but its difficult to find one with serious power and real classy performance for less than $5k. with this box, I can add a fat amp under it and be happy. I hope. Time will tell.
No, I have not put the symphonies up against any other tube preamps, but will have a chance to test it with a Audible Illusions L2 shortly. I expect the L2 to outclass it big time, but then again...I sort of expected that from the PV10 as well.