Bummer (I guess), but it sound like you don't miss it all all, is this the case? I ask because I am contemplating on building a Foreplay. I know that many tube amp listeners use the Foreplay but I have a hunch that the Foreplay is at it's best with a SS amp. Also, since the Ella has it's own volume control this would appear to me to be where the problem came in for your Foreplay and Ella, ya think?

Now, it sounds like your pre-amp is passive, which can mean a simple volume control. I understand that the way you have modified you Ella volume control that it is passive but I am wondering if the design of the volume control in the stock Ella is active or passive...Do you know? I am assuming passive also. Do you recomend the Goldpoint over the DACT attenuator? I see that both are options from Consonance for the Ella as I am also planning to build the Ella. What other upgrades did you put in your Ella?

A lot of questions I know, thanks

2. When I had the Foreplay /Ella combo I had by-passed the volume control.

3. While I was working on Ella, and after the Foreplay debacle, I hooked up the Goldpoint's as a passive volume control for the Paramours. That showed that the Paramours were better than I had thought and also that the Foreplay needed some modification to show them off; the new F-P will have pseudo-dual mono power supply.

4. The stock volume control on Ella is what I'm using, an Alps Blue pot. I can't say what it sounds like but it tracks the two channels very well. What I modified was the connection; I didn't like the co-axial mike cable provided so I made my own shielded cable.

5. I've never heard the DACT attenuator. Actually, the Goldpoint is so fine, I've never heard it either, in a manner of speaking! For Ella, the DACT will just fit in the stock volume control position but the Goldpoint will not. You will have to make or buy an extension rod and bracket (Wellborne has a kit) and mount the control at the rear. That's right next to the input and a better place, anyway.

6. I upgraded the coupling and output caps to Clarity Caps which may turn out to be too bright. I'm debating whether to spring for Audionote copper film in oil. I also installed the optional choke in the power supply. That makes Ella a whole different amplifier. I'll have more to say about that after she has some more hours on.

7. Vandough, aren't you a pornstar or something? LOL.
Stick around, this is a great board.