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No preamp in system

 

I want to point out how the perception of our equipment changes over time. I’m getting so use to the sound of my system without a preamp (which is out for repair) to the point that I’m accepting it as good sound.  It reveals something about our hobby.  When we get new equipment we often say “let it break in.”  And lo and behold, it sounds much better over time.  Is it that were really fooling ourselves, and that it’s simply a matter of us getting use to it?

Just food for thought.

rvpiano
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,920 posts
 

@audioman58 .....I try to knock 2 out of those 3.....spend those on the not-so delightful stuff 'cept foodstuffs and exotica...  ;)

wolf_garcia
6,764 posts
 

My exotic and expensive Schiit preamp (cost nearly a thousand dollars!) has a "passive" setting so you can instantly hear it not doing much. I know it's expensive but totally worth it...

bikefi10
50 posts
 

I went pre amp less when I was breaking in new XOs on my MG 1.7i s so it could stream 24/7. DAC, ipad, and Qobuz have volume controls. It did sound quite good. Not sure if better or worse.

I agree that sometimes our ears can just get use to our systems with or without some changes.

Im hooked on my old Carver C4000 pre amp with it's many functions. I always liked pushing buttons and turning knobs, lol. Im always  tweaking eq due to such a range of recordings. Some need highs attenuated or boosted. Same for lows. Has 40hz loudness boost, peak unlimiter, etc. My favorite feature is the classic Bob Carver Sonic Holography. It really opens up sound stage.

 

 

 

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