Anyone using 2 preamps in their rig?

@bigkidz If you have heard the CODA 07x preamp and the Benchmark LA4 preamps (the 2 I used) you most likely would think they are on the opposite ends of the sonic spectrum. I loved both preamps with various amps. I doubt there is 1 unit preamp out there that can sound like both. Maybe with a TONE control to sound like the warmer CODA 07x.

I did that with my Benchmark LA4 preamp and CODA 07x preamp. One was neutral and clean and the other was a bit warmer. I had a real complicated setup there. There were 2 DACs going into each preamp with RCA and XLR, 2 tuners, one by both RCA and XLR, SACD player. I also had a second amp on the CODA 07x via XLR to the amp for my RAAL SR1a headphones. The CODA also had an XLR going to my speaker amp(s).

When I wanted a more neutral sound I would change the speaker amp XLR to the LA4 preamp. When I wanted a warmer tone I switched the amp XLR to the CODA 07x. After a while I realized I liked the LA4 better and sold the 07x.

However, it was a fun exercise.

@oldrooney I think there are not many preamps that DO NOT color the sound to a large degree. It seems to my ears that the more expensive the preamp the more the color. Obviously, people like this and the gear could be sold for more money. That is not how I hear it so my wallet is happy.

These are the only preamps I owned that did not color the sound too much.

Benchmark HPA4, LA4, and Topping pre90. The Topping pre90 is a PIA to use and pair with amps. The Benchmark preamps are my fav's.

@blackbag20 I did not use any splitter-box because the 2 DACs I used, the Musetec 005 and the Benchmark DAC3B both allowed RCA and XLR output at the same time. So one RCA went to 1 preamp and the XLR output went to the other preamp. I did the same with my Magnum Dynalab 108T tuner. I also had identical streamer paths using 2 sets of FMC and Sonore OpticalRendu,

I am a fan of the low cost Benchmark XLR interconnect between my 2 preamps and the amp at the speaker end. So I used 2 sets of 15-foot XLRs with 1 set connect at the amp end. When I wanted to switch preamps I just changed the amp end interconnect to the other preamp’s.

The CODA 07x preamp I used as 1 of the 2 preamps did not have an ON/OFF button so that was a little bit tricky. You need to be careful when the gear was turned on and off so as not to mess up the speakers. I never did.

I should add that not all gear allow RCA and XLR to be connected at the same time, such as the Audio Mirror Tubadour SE III DAC (now sold).

*********************

I am from Toronto (YYZ, similar to LAX = Los Angeles) . I now live in Santa Barbara. I am huge Rush fan. I actually listen to more Rush these days since I have nice gear and the music is instantly available. The song YYZ is supposed to represent taking a flight out of Toronto’s YYZ airport.

@bigkidz I checked out your wares on your web site and A’gon forum posts. If I were in an audiophile mindset I would be all over your offer. However, I have decided on what audio gear will work long term for me and I am now done buying gear. I am very happy with my selections and have duplicated those selections in my office and Livingroom systems. Time for me to just listen.

My 2 preamp setup phase was when I was trying to figure out what I liked. Today, I have simplified almost everything and happily use 1 preamp.