2. amps-preamps
  3. 135591-46395

How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

Hello all.
I'm using an Audible Illusions L1 preamp and I think my system sounds better when I remove it from the signal path. Oppo BD105 directly to SMC Audio DNA1 Gold power amp. I have read that there is level of quality you need to hit before there will be an improvement in sound. I can't seem to find what that level is. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Ben
honashagen

Showing 1 response by 1graber2

1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
Cost for adding a proper preamp? depends demands of the system.

1.  A low-end system with no PreAmp would benefit from a $300-500 preamp. (eg. Schitt Lyr 2, tubed)
2.  Mid-end system: $500-1500 (several on the market)
3.  Hi end: $1500 on up, the skies the limit, but $1500-3000 should suffice for many systems that are not the crazy expensive hi end stuff.
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