Is no preamp really better that a good preamp?


Hi All, I have PS Audio gear, and both my DAC and my phono section have enough gain to run directly to the amp. Is this really the optimal arrangement, or might I actually get better sound by adding a good preamp, say a Cary or a Modwright tube unit, to the mix. Thanks in advance.
rustler

Showing 1 response by milpai

Clio9,
I believe you have experienced a TVC before. I did read the review about the Bespoke TVC in Stereophile this month. If anything, I think it was a waste - giving the TVC to a reviewer who already has a biase against "passives". I got a $4k preamp home to see what I am missing against my TVC. And to my surprise, I found my TVC superior to the active preamp. I am sure you are aware that TVC will work only with a matching system. You cannot have an amp/source/speakers that are low in sensitivity.
I will sure seek out to other active preamps in future, when I get a chance, but I agree that the lesser the "electronics" in the chain, the lesser the distortion of the original music. Some folks will opt for color over originality.