Adding a high end pre-Amp to a sound processor

I have some Tantalum cap bypassing the power supply near the op-amps.  I like the room correction the Anthem d2v does.   I don't see any Ayre line buffers on their website.  My thought to use the XO as a linebuffer but as a plus I can pull in my subs for 2 channel.

I about about had it with messing around with my XO and/or rolling op-amps and figured let the expert design the equipment and buy something good if it gives me what I want.

I have one main room (den).  That is mix use.  I do love my 2 channel but not quite a fanatic.   Video (30%) and Audio 70%.

Hi there,

Have you tried putting power supply bypass caps near the op amps? Try that and then try swapping.

Small Cornell Dubelier (1.0uF) may really clean things up.

Preamps act like a buffer. Whether that is a good thing or not will end up being a matter of implementation. I think Ayre makes some of the very best sounding line buffers, so if that was an option I’d definitely try it.

HT bypass modes vary in operation though. Some are relay/switch based. They connect the output directly to the input, with no internal circuitry. You don’t get any benefit, or demerits, by using the preamp. Others are zero gain circuits. The signal from the HT processor, or Bluray player, still goes through the preamp circuit.

Personally I use a Parasound P7, which has a built in 8 channel (7.1) control with an Oppo 103 as the multi-channel source and skip the processor. With a simple set up and limited HDMI inputs, it works fine.

The biggest reason for using a preamp AND a processor is when you are a music fanatic, have a great 2 channel set up and want the HT to be a supplement, not a replacement. Users of a setup like this tend to spend a lot of time looking for a preamp that sounds great in 2 channel mode, and probably LP’s first.

Best,


Erik