This unit works well as an audio hub and is very QUIET. My quest for a headphone amp was meet since I enjoy a few LPs and it has a great phono stage. I've had mine for several months with no complaints and many hours of listening pleasure. I've spent more for preamps and not enjoyed them as much as this Carver SS pre. No help on the amp since I had no need, I did listen to the combo set and it sounded impressive. Mr. Carver doesn't put his handle on junk and his design ideas have a history many in the audio biz can only envy.
