Choosing a preamplifier - synergy vs. matching components


Hello everyone,

I’ve already created a couple of threads here, and I’m truly learning a lot from all of you—thank you!

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to move forward with a Yamamoto Sound Craft amplifier and am currently choosing between the AD1 and VT-52 models. To complement my power amplifier, I’m looking for a preamplifier and a phono stage that can support my MC cartridge (or an integrated solution).

From what I understand, Yamamoto Sound Craft offers two preamplifiers: CA-03 and CA-04, with the latter supporting MC cartridges, which would be a convenient option. However, since I use Audio Note speakers, I’m also considering an Audio Note preamplifier (perhaps an M3–M6, depending on budget).

I have a few questions that I hope will spark an interesting discussion about system priorities. I know there’s no single "right" answer, but hearing different perspectives, experiences, and insights will certainly help me make a more informed choice.

  • Should system synergy be the priority, or can better sound be achieved by carefully selecting and matching individual components? I believe Yamamoto Sound Craft and Audio Note share similar philosophies, emphasizing a natural and intimate sound signature.

  • Is it preferable to choose an integrated preamp with a phono stage, or is it better to go with separate components? How does a SUT (Step-Up Transformer) factor into this? Would it be beneficial to use a SUT that is specifically matched to the cartridge?

For reference, I currently use a Denon 103R, but in the future, I’d love to explore higher-end Japanese cartridges like Koetsu or Miyajima.

apollinaire

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

Assuming you like the Yamamoto Sound Craft sound, I think you have the lowest risk. Matching dissimilar sounding equipment to get the sound you want is a real challenge... and particularly if you can’t listen to them. In this case virtual impossible. You can look at my main system. After upgrading and learning for fifty years it is interesting to note all the equipment is from the same manufacturer and incredibly synergistic.

 

Recently I saw a thread where someone had taken very etched "accurate" sounding components and mixed them with very warm components and hit the perfect sound... something like Benchmark, PS Audio and Pass. But... wow that could so easily not have worked out. I instantly recognized what he had done... amazing... I could almost hear it.

 

I have a theory... that I couldn’t possibly prove about synergy, err... lack of. It is that of subtraction. If your component string has a different sound quality lets say... very detailed, very warm, then very detailed, then very warm (say, Streamer, DAC, Preamp, Amp) then each subsequent component is loosing something. So, the DAC is dropping some detail in order to be warm... etc. So, the very best you can do (if the components sound like you want them to) is to have all the components voiced the same.

Long ago I chose an audio research preamp, then a few years later and Audio Research Preamp, then amp and finally DAC. Each caused a big jump in sound quality and I think synergy. The final piece... something I was not looking for and did not want... my dealer dropped it by and said I really ought to try it, was a no brainer... the sound quality jump was simply jaw dropping. It just had to be synergy.