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New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)

Looking for help...

I got a new preamplifier to replace my integrated amplifier, but the sound is extremely underwhelming. Biggest issues are sound distinction and clarity (sounds dull) and field depth (sounds narrow/flat) with less depth and width regarding the sound field when listening to stored digital music.

Old set up:
Innuos Zenith -> (USB) Gustard X26 Pro -> (XLR) Cambridge Azur 851a -> (RCA) Cambridge Azur 851w -> KEF LS50 Meta's and Kube 12b subwoofer.

New set up:
Innuos Zenith -> (USB) Gustard X26 Pro -> (XLR) Rotel 1590MKii Preamp -> (XLR) Cambridge Azur 851w -> KEF LS50 Meta's and Kube 12b subwoofer.

I'm really surprised this new preamplifier was such a drop off in sound quality compared to my older, cheaper integrated amp, but wondering if there are any tests I could do to maybe change something to better figure out if its the preamp, or rather something I'm doing. Looking at all the extra digital inputs in the Rotel that my 851a doesn't have makes me think that maybe the 851a is just a more adept component at passing along my DAC's signal, where the Rotel is geared towards using it's internal DAC.

The Rotel is run in a "Tone Bypass" mode via the XLR connections to bypass the internal DAC.

Just wondering why the Rotel would choke off the sound so much while the older integrated amp make things sound so deep and bright when paired with the power amp?

A friend suggested running my DAC straight to my power amp and see if the sound was back to old (or at least better).

Any other suggestions I should try before I send the preamplifier back?
128x128ja_kub_sz
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,927 posts
 
So you're not a believer in the "there's no preamp like no preamp" saying?

Nor am I. Sixty days is plenty of time for break in. Leave the system running for 4-5 days. Solid state is safe to do so usually. Thats the best way when in a time crunch. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,811 posts
 
I have the Gustard X26 Pro and it has some issues running into an amp direct. I actually got a replacement under warranty for it. The second unit  has been mostly good so far but there are still some minor gremlins DAC direct to amp. Luckily for me I hate DAC direct to amp so I have tried a few preamps with the Gustard.

- Topping pre90
- Benchmark HPA4
- CODA 07x

They have no issue with the Gustard but the amp connected to them did. The HPA4 and CODA 07x was great with all amps. The Topping pre90 was not good with 2 amps and excellent with the Benchmark AHB2. I was told that the bad sound on one of the amps was likely an impedance mismatch between the pre and amp. By bad sound I mean a listless flat sound. The other bad sounding amp combo was not bad sound but too much gain.

Just some observations the may help you.

BTW - I have the KEF LS50 + KC62 sub + Topping pre90 + Topping D90se DAC + Benchmark AHB2. It is a very nice sounding system. If the Gustard X26 Pro was not so big I would have gotten a second X26 Pro.
raw7145
12 posts
 
Ok...I have had the same experience going from older separates to a more modern integrated amp.
The highly touted Yamaha AS1200 seemed the perfect choice for me. I was tired of getting up and down for volume controls with my 70's dated system, sans remote.  The Yamaha was built on the same design as my old amp, both dual mosfet.  Yamaha had a remote.  I was sure I was set.

AGGGHHHHH.... the unit made my very favorite speakers sound like MUD!  How could this be?  Tone controls were NO rescue.  Plugged in my Monitor Audio Silver 8's to the AS1200.  The already good speakers sounded WONDERFUL!   Tried some Energy C3's with the same results.

I have enjoyed my HPM 100's for 42 years and will not part with them
Thus my AS1200 is up for sale.  Too refined a unit for my old babies I guess.     Previous set up - NAD 114 Pre Amp  / Sherwood S6040 CP amp.  Sold both,(had to pay for that Yamaha @2799) and now there is not a 114 to be found. 

 Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DAY!!!!
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Can you leave it on for 24/7 or 14. Quick break in. Blanket a pair of speakers and put it on 10-30 % and let it play.. You'll be well within the window.. Use some good cables too. Hook it up and let it percolate.

In 48 - 72 hours if it isn't a LOT better. You gotta wonder..
Cables need a bit to settle too. But don't listen.. Then pull the blankets at 48 and 72..

I can tell if it's going to change the volume will go down around 36-48 hours and back up by 72 hours. Every time for me.. Everything just gets cleaner, tighter, the brightness goes away...(mids come forward more actually)

Regards
ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz OP
273 posts
 
@sns @oldhvymec @yyzsantabarbara

Thanks for the suggestions! Never thought about leaving it on.

I too want a preamp (or integrated amp) as opposed to just running my DAC to an amp.
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