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Not so Easy to Skip the Preamp?


I have just tried to assemble a system for a third office, using a Behringer A500 in stereo.

I have tried a Hagtech USB interface to output SPDIF ito an Audio Research DAC5 and both the optical and RCA outputs of a Behringer interface.

As I am only using one input (the PC) I hoped to skip a preamp and any extra sets of cables.

In all three cases as above, however, the sound was pretty bad - congested, veiled and distorted almost as if the speakers were blown.

Is this because neither an interface box or the ARC DAC would have sufficient gain to drive a power amp correctly?

This was not immediately obvious to me because there is sufficient volumn and the VU meters on the amp are well below clipping - it just sounds bad.

Thanks for any ideas - maybe a cheapo Parasound preamp would help for these types of "systems".
cwlondon

Showing 1 response by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
Do you want SS only? Otherwise I really like the Cary preamps. I am especially fond of the AES AE-3 which I think you can still buy new although hotrodded a bit at Upscale Audio for about $1200-
I don't know if you can still buy the Parasound Z-pre?

The other really cool solution is a custom made pre by Mapltree Audio in Canada. He has standard models for about $500-600 IIRC, but if you tell Prof. Peppard what you need he can make it work for you. In general he is very reasonable. Check out his website. They are all tube however.
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