I would recommend using the Air Tight ATC-2 valve preamplifier with the AirTight ATM-2 amplifier. I can not understand why any one would run a amplifier directly from a CD player, the reason why is there is no buffer stage and the sound will be edgy and hard. Preamplifiers especially a very good valve preamplifiers add the tone to the music body and weight to the sound. Dynamics are also a huge benefit from a preamplifier stage especially if you are playing Vinyl.
I think people get the impression of a cleaner sound by running direct from a CD player but this is actually a leaner sound that will eventually fatigue a listener who will then tend to blame the amplifier.
A well designed preamplifier is the heart of a Audio system and the soul of the music. Some time Less is not always Best in a audio system, do not fall into the trap of thinking because I have done away with one component in the chain the sound will be more musical.
I have tried all the passive gain devices over the years and from my experience valve preamplifiers are still the best option for audio system tone and synergy with your power amplifiers.
You can look at my Audio system products used on my Audiogon page.
Thanks Jason.
www.parmentersound.com
I think people get the impression of a cleaner sound by running direct from a CD player but this is actually a leaner sound that will eventually fatigue a listener who will then tend to blame the amplifier.
A well designed preamplifier is the heart of a Audio system and the soul of the music. Some time Less is not always Best in a audio system, do not fall into the trap of thinking because I have done away with one component in the chain the sound will be more musical.
I have tried all the passive gain devices over the years and from my experience valve preamplifiers are still the best option for audio system tone and synergy with your power amplifiers.
You can look at my Audio system products used on my Audiogon page.
Thanks Jason.
www.parmentersound.com