I ran my theta miles directly into my VT100MkII for almost 2 years first with balanced straightwire serenedes and now with purenote epsilon balanced cables. Speakers are Magnepan 2.5Rs I recently upgraded the speaker cable to purenote epsilon reference. Since I wanted to get back into vinyl (another story) I purchased an ARC LS16 and added it into the system. The sound is more dimensional with a more clearly defined soundstage using the pre-amp. Truthfully I had not expected to hear an improvement (fewer components in the chain the better), but that's what my ears tell me.
CD direct to amp vs active preamp
How many of you folks have ever tried running your digital source with a built in "high grade" volume control directly to your amp and compared that to the digital source feeding your active preamp and then the amp ? I am just curious as to the results and if you noticed any major differences. Obviously, we would have to add not only the preamp, but also another interconnect to make all of the connections. If you've done this "test" with a passive or buffered line section, feel free to join in. Sean
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