Better yet, DirectStream owners can wait for the upcoming BHK preamp.
http://parttimeaudiophile.com/2015/10/05/rmaf-2015-its-always-sunny-at-ps-audio/ |
George,
I get what you are saying about not adding anything negative to a signal via an active preamp. But shouldn't the proof be in the listening?
I mean if the OP likes what he hears with a preamp in the chain compared to without, then couldn't he just go with what his ears prefer than with theory alone?
Cheers! J. |
Well, it's all very simple then.
1. Start with no preamp in the chain.
2. Then add preamp.
3. If adding preamp makes the sound better, keep it.
4. If adding preamp makes the sound worse, remove it.
Preamp or no preamp brigades become superfluous very quickly here.
Cheers! J. |
Maybe you missed this :-
"Since I like the overall sound of the K-01 and my system, and do not wish to change any component for big financial reasons...." |
George,
I agree with you that one should "....look at the problem area and changing to or modding the component that causing it, not by adding another one into the signal path chain to gloss it over."
Take my problem for instance. My Esoteric K-01 can sound a bit cool but other than this problem alone, everything else in my system chain I find highly satisfactory. Since I like the overall sound of the K-01 and my system, and do not wish to change any component for big financial reasons, finding a preamp that warms things up a bit to neutral, is just what I need to fix this problem. One may consider this an acceptable solution. It's all about system synergy. It's like an audio reviewer describing the sound of a component under review and then advising what other component to match it with, be it source, amp, speakers, cables, etc.
Cheers! J. |
Most of us need a preamp for various reasons - multiple sources, balance control, phase control. So, one needs to choose a preamp that synergises with the source. To change the K-01 entirely is not something my pocket will be thankful for.
We must have read endless reviews about a cool/warm source component and the reviewer will say, "Matching this with a warm/cool preamp is advisable. Preamp ABC with this source XYZ is truly a match made in audio heaven."
So, we try to mate preamp ABC or equivalent with the source. Either that or, we change the source altogether. The latter simply cannot be a fiscally reasonable option.
Cheers! J. |
That a component is cool or warm may not really be a problem in itself. It is designed that way and some audiophiles may like it as is. To match it with a synergistic component is an art for the audiophile to nuture in this hobby. And that's just what we try to do everyday instead of changing components right after just buying them new.
Cheers! J. |
"It is not correct to say that all active preamps take away from detail and transparency or add colorations. Some give you *less* coloration with greater detail and transparency."
+1,Ralph.
You hit the nail on the head.
That is precisely what a preamp did for my whole system - greater detail and transparency.
Having a preamp also solved the impedance mismatch between the K-01 and Bryston 28B monos.
But in George's little world, change the source OR power amp! Surreal!
Cheers@ J. |
Thanks, Al, for your informative input as always.
What intrigues me is what I hear when I add a preamp in the chain(I started off direct from source to power amp).
I get more :-
1. dynamics
2. air around instruments
3. tonal body to instruments
4. solid bass foundation for orchestral works
5. soundstage depth, width and height
6. liquid flow of musical notes
7. musicality or PRAT
If all that is distortion, euphemisms aside, then so be it. Instruments just sound more natural and live than without the preamp.
When the supposedly more "accurate" signal sounds less natural and live, then things get very puzzling here. I can only trust my own ears, all electronics theory aside.
Cheers! J. |
And this.....
09-24-15: Guidocorona
George, I'm really sorry to hear that.... Filters on K-01 do a great deal of work. I agree that without filters and with no upsampling, the sound of K-01 is something that only its Moma could love.
Yet, the 5 filter options combined with the upsampling options let the user taylor the behavior of the unit a great deal.... If you enjoy a warm sound, all you need do is select S_dly1.... And then upsample / or not to taste. For me, Nirvana was reach with S_dly2 and 4x upsampling.
Of course, if you are allergic in principle to the very concept of filters and upsampling... That would be a different ball of wax.
Guidocorona (Threads | Answers | This Thread) |
And this.....
09-27-15: Zephyr24069
I 2nd Guido's feedback; filter choices and upsampling choice make all the difference in the world with the K and P players from Esoteric. Also, remember, ever filter combination needs it own break-in cycle so if you've changed filters and not given each 350+ hours of playback, you have not heard the player in that config properly yet. Also, level of XLR cables, power cords, etc...make a hell of a difference just like everything else. The Reimyo player is one hell of a unit....very healthy competition and one I almost bought years ago.
Zephyr24069 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread) |
+1, Zephyr.
Sincere apologies for the unintended offense.
J. |
Many thanks, Al, for the heads up.
When we trust our own ears as PM did, the sound truth is revealed as is.
We also understand a little bit more about the theory behind the listening experience.
Cheers! J. |
For most of us who are untrained in electronics, we just go by what has been posted previously in this thread :
"Well, it's all very simple then.
1. Start with no preamp in the chain.
2. Then add preamp.
3. If adding preamp makes the sound better, keep it.
4. If adding preamp makes the sound worse, remove it.
Preamp or no preamp brigades become superfluous very quickly here." |
"Some folks will opt for color over originality."
Not so - not PM or a whole lot of many others. It all boils down to whether there is an improvement in the listening experience.
Fully agree with Almarg :-
"Of course, depending on the specific designs introducing a preamp between the DAC and the power amp could either resolve such a problem, introduce such a problem, or make no difference." |
The suggestion then is for PM to redesign his DirectStream such that it sounds better direct to power amp, without need for the Aesthetix Calypso preamp? Poor PM - just to please some dogmatic..... |
If the DirectStream sounds better via the Aesthetix Calypso, the design must be flawed right from the outset?
"For myself if we have this kind of source with these types of problems that has a VC, I can't think of it being hi-end or been designed right, better to me to change it, mod it for something that is."
So, should the DirectStream be redesigned? |
"I still wonder how this one Aesthetix preamp could fix those specific areas he's has singled out."
We can all wonder but this little gem from PM will get a lot of DirectStream owners to start adding the Calypso to their systems or replacing their current preamps with it, instead of retiring the Directstream altogether.
Why not, if it sounds as stunning as PM describes? Again, theory aside, of course.
Cheers! J. |
....which still does not explain how the Aesthetix could fix the DirectStream's 'problems' and,
....that rather than tout another brand, build one of your own.
The synergy is now complete.
Cheers! J. |
In Mr BHK's own words :-
"As obvious as it may seem, I would like to hear his take on why his preamp improves the sound in comparison to running the DS direct. I know some still prefer a preamp, I personally don't, but there is some interaction going on that no one seems to clearly understand. I know Paul had his socks knocked off in comparison to his reference preamp, but my socks are generally well attached and not subject to such easy removal. In other words call me an agnostic waiting for the right explanation to shift me into belief." -Pmotz
"Hi Pmotz.
You bring up a good point and rather timely as I have been listening to my Direct Stream DAC direct into my power amp as I take my ptototype BHK Signature preamp (1 or 3) in and out of my system to go work on it in my lab. The system without the preamp in it sounds very nice and acceptable but when the preamp is back in there is a very obvious increase in musicality, transient attack, spaciousness, and detail. I am amazed and delighted with this creation. But I must disappoint as I must be in the camp of those who cannot explain it. I just know what it does for my musical enjoyment and that, in the end, is where it is at for me." - BHK
http://www.psaudio.com/forum/bhk-power-and-pre-amp-forum/bascoms-preamp-chronicles/ |
"For myself if we have this kind of source with these types of problems that has a VC, I can't think of it being hi-end or been designed right, better to me to change it, mod it for something that is."
RMAF 2015 award for best DAC goes to....
http://www.stereophile.com/content/rocky-mountain-international-hifi-press-awards#dUsWps4IBGMLTqEi.97
....the PS Audio DS. |
