2. amps-preamps
  3. 1293746922

Preamp or Not

System:
Speakers: B&W 802D
AMP: 2 Plinius SA100 MKIII used as mono
Preamp: Musical Fidelity need upgrade to BAT or Pass Labs?
Source: Arcam fmj CD37

I have bunch of other good equipment in my theater room. The above are my 2-channel audio only set up. I have been thinking of upgrading my pre and CDP because they have no XLR connections. They sound very good but I'd like to use the balance connections. I just found an Esoteric SA50 player which apparently can be connected to the amplifier directly, therefore, eliminating the need for a preamp.

Question:

Since I have a very high gain amp and some external distortion and noise issues, would I be better off with a preamp and a source or just go directly from source to the amps. If there are no setbacks with this kind of set up, I can eliminate one component and save some $ in the process.

I would love to hear from members with similar experience and/or familiar with Esoteric SA50.
espoverload

Showing 2 responses by lak

lak's avatar
lak
4,713 posts
 
I have tired various good passive preamps and have always found there sound to be lean compared to a traditional preamp. To each there own and that's just my opinion based upon my ears and system components, I don't want to offend those that prefer passive.
The Esoteric will work in your set up, and there are many other CDP's with volume controls that will also work.
The major point I want to make is some people will prefer the sound of the system using a CDP with volume control and others will prefer the sound using a traditional preamp.
The only way you will know for sure is to try it for yourself.
lak's avatar
lak
4,713 posts
 
Espoverload,
I'd be curious to for you to report back to us any type of change you hear assuming to try a pair of the XLR interconnects.
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