2. amps-preamps
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Partly passive preamp?

I’ve been using an Audio Research LS22 preamp with my Krell duo 175xd power amp. I also use an Audio Research PH3 phono stage.   Since the ARC preamp is about 25 years old, I’ve thought of replacing it. First, I decided to connect my PS Audio Directstream DAC directly to the Krell amp to see if it made a difference (the DirectStream has a good volume control).  It sounds great.  If I never wanted to use my turntable and tuner again, I’d consider sticking with this setup.  My question: is there such a thing as a preamp which would allow me to use my other equipment but does nothing to the signal coming from the dac...which is essentially passive when using the dac input?  
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Showing 1 response by motokokusanagi

motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
I’m not aware of any commercial product that does that (multiple inputs, pure passthrough on one input, active + volume control on others).

Otherwise you’d be talking about finding a new preamp (or high quality integrated) that equals or exceeds the performance that you get running your DAC direct, and ditto for your phono. 25 years is a good amount of time to justify an upgrade, I’d say!
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