Hi Iowerth
Not only pre amps but all amps. that's why you should only plug a turntable into the designated port on an amplifier. If you use anything else then the RIAA is not resolved and the sound is rubbish.
Fortunately it's not me - I have a good old fashioned deck and take a line out of my Yamaha Amp to the soundcard so RIAA is sorted.
However, the USB deck have a preamp built in so the RIAA should be handelled. I think it is as they are not really tinny just dull as in there's no presence on them.
I suppose the best comparrison is like the difference between a new and old set of guitar strings. New strings you get a nice ring to the sound whereas if you have a set that have been on for some time they loose that shine and resonance.
I don't think it's a general problem with the Ion, I have heard them in action and they seemed fairly decent. Also there would be general outcry on the web but most reviews are generally positive if not overboard and there's not much I can find in Forums (unless somebody is doing a bloody good job of burying it)
I've eliminated just about everything except possibly the tracking. These things have a certain amout of self assembly, including getting stylus arm correctly balanced. So it's poosible it may be there.
But any other (polite) suggestions would be welcome.
Cheers
Tel