The HiFi reviewing challenges continue to arrive from the pearly shores of South Korea. The Allnic Audio L-8500 OTL/OCL Preamplifier ($13,500) is the third Allnic preamp we’ve had in for review. All three are beautifully designed and manufactured. The varied designs/topology made serious impressions on the rest of my components. All in different but musically fabulous ways.

Other than these gems eventually leaving my system, the primary challenge comes from trying to describe the subtle but very important differences and directing the audiophile to the best purchase choice for their components and listening habits. In this review, there will not be an indeterminate ending. One, after many happy hours of listing and comparison (two in house and one from very pleasant aural memories), did work best for my situation and needs. Ever so slightly. Continue on and read about the L-8500, a very special component, and which of the three preamps may work best for you.