2. amps-preamps
  3. 167274-1464

preamp vs amp: relative effect on sound?

Recently, there was an interesting thread on combining a tube preamp with a SS amp, which is what apparently a lot of people do.

So two questions.

Q1: in a preamp + amp combo, does each unit affect the eventual sound equally, 50/50, or is one going to affect the sound more than the other?

Q2: in a combo of higher gain preamp + lower gain amp, will more gain being provided by the preamp have any effect on your answer to Q1?
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Showing 1 response by mrklas

mrklas
441 posts
 
In my experience the preamp has an incredible sound impact.

I upgraded from an integrated amp to preamp and amp in two steps.

I first bought a tube preamp (McIntosh C 2600) and it took over the preamp duties from my NAD C375BEE. I was shocked on the impact.

I was able to 'audition' it at home and the improvement in preamp was audible using tape deck, turntable, streamer and burned CDs.(tube preamp has phono stage and DAC built in).  

I then bought a MC 302 McIntosh amp and it was an improvement but I the preamp was the reason the journey was accelerated.  I think its about 65/35 split.  

I can't answer Q2.  
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