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 c_avila1

Hello @georgehifi

We've had a similar discussion about preamps:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/bypassing-a-preamp-with-volume-pot-in-amp
I knew I've seen that Nelson Pass quote before.

I have had great success "bypassing" a preamp with a Khozmo stepped attenuator using Z-Foil TX2575 resistors inside an amp.

I ditched the volume attenuator completely in my current setup and only control the volume from the computer. I prefer to lose a few 1s and 0s from the computer volume than to add a preamp that brings so much favorable and unfavorable distortion/coloration from tubes, resistors, capacitors, regulators, diodes, interconnects, power cords, etc.

Who needs an preamp when you have a Pass XA25? (jk) This amp is amazing.