Hi Ray, thanks for the compliment of the preamp. I will attempt to describe how it sounds.
The system has a "robust" signature. I mean, hearty sound, taut, slamming bass that it has got to be heard to be believed, especially from an 8" driver. I believe that the robust signature comes from the alnico factor of the driver. If you have heard Tannoy coaxials...the Turnberry, it sounds close like it, but the FTAs are more seamless, more transparent when the source calls.
FM via the system, especially due to the Mcintosh, it sounds very organic, once again, with gobs of presence.
The FTAs do not sound midrangey, as some single fullrange drivers, if not the vast majority of them sound like.
When I put some vinyl, you can hear more of the slam and also harshness, if the vinyl recording was badly made.
Depending of the CD track, it can sound bloody awesome, or simple pedestrian. It depends of the recording.
What is most amazing about the system is the idiocyncratic mix of really expensive components with things are are plainly DIY oriented, such as the Scott Nixon sound better than it should ever be.
I have tried something interesting, an idea I got from people who have a single source system, that is I ran the Shigaraki transport, DAC into EVS Ultimate Attenuators and then, into the monoblocks. From there, it all went to 47 Labs OTA and into the FTAs.
There was a difference in signature, but it was about 90% of what I have heard with the preamp.
Of course, that 10% meant more distinct nuances of complex tracks. Passive attenuation did have problems separating complex notes and passages. Nevertheless, if I did not have the preamp, then, I might not have missed it, but as always, audio is like a drug, incremental rush with different sorts of equipment WILL make you an audiojunky. No doubt.
Your system is no slaker either. If you are close to NYC, drop me a line.