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 jay23

@kosst_amojan
I always scratch my head at "passives" with big heatsinks.
@tweak1
I read your other post and looked at the manufacturer's site. It's pretty obvious that it's being buffered. Given the heatsinks, the constant input impedance, and the fact it takes an hour+ to warm up, it's certainly got active devices in the signal path. Passives don't have parts that warm up or need heatsinks.
@tweak1
I'm looking at the "Hattor Audio Ultimate "The Big" Passive Preamp with XLR" and it's got heatsinks. Just saying....

I always scratch my head at people that have zero clue about business. Maybe look up economies of scale. Just saying... 😉