2. amps-preamps
  3. 188876-140796

Preamp - what's the purpose?

Intentionally dumb question...

I've heard various 5-15W tube amps in my room. EL84, 300B, etc. They all have input stages and the output stage. I send them a line-level signal from a DAC.

Sitting a few meters away from my loudspeakers, the first watt alone gives me roughly 80db of volume. I think these amps are biased to expect the line level signal directly. Why wouldn't the designer do that?

So what's the point of adding a pre-amp? Why do people do it?

thanks in advance

 

clustrocasual

Showing 1 response by carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

Some people have multiple sources and need a switch.  I have 2 inputs but have an amp with 2 inputs.  My new amp I ordered custom has 3 inputs, one for a spare.  

Some DACs don't have volume control, so they use the pre for that.

Some people think a preamp improves the quality of the sound.  I say it can only color it.  

And I do it just like you--DAC into my tube amp.  

Jerry

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