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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
cdc
1,900 posts
 

Looking forward to seeing which you prefer, passive pre or CJ active.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,760 posts
 

cdc

Although the passive is “safer,” meaning that it is consistent, with no extramusical, harsh sounds, it’s also lacking in highs, sound staging and realism. It sounds surprisingly good but not as pleasurable as the CJ active which has all of the above.

mrdecibel
3,104 posts
 

I stated above that I really enjoy my Luminous passive. Recently, I purchased an umbilical cable from Brad at Revelation Audio Labs for my preamp (I talk about it elsewhere here at the ’Gon), to go between it and the external power supply. I am now, after 2 plus weeks of the cable breaking in, I am now a convert. I am really enjoying the preamp, as I am finding the additional gain beneficial. Not just with my Rawson DIY Pass F4, which needs gain, but with most of my other power amps (excluding my Nuforce STA200, which is still preferable with the Luminous.....as it is very high gain). My best, MrD.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,760 posts
 

Analog continues to be more remarkable than digital now that the CJ has been overhauled.  Although both sound great.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,760 posts
 

The CJ preamp seems to have fully broken in.

The set sounds better (really fantastic) than it did before the breakdown.

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