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Preamplifier power supply

Hi folks, should a preamplifier have a BIG (that is: an overkill power supply) to sound dynamic and authoritative? I'm asking this because some experts would say "yes" while others would say "no". Recently a well known audio journalist (Anthony Cordesmann?) said that the preamplifier doesn't have to have a big power supply because it doesn't have to deliver lots of energy (in the form of current). A preamplifier can sound "dynamic" even with very modest power supply --> for example the built in preamplifier in the Benchmark DAC. But some manufacturers rely on a truly overkill power supply in their reference preamplifiers: MBL, First Sound Audio, BAT, VTL, LAMM, Mark Levinson. So who is right?

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 11 responses by dazzdax

dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Shardone, with transformer based passive preamp you will get high input but low output impedance. I think with saying that a passive preamp is a "terrible mistake" some of us would feel offended (btw, myself not included).

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Hmm, so those manufacturers are only implementing overkill power supplies for marketing purposes and the people who buying their preamps should know that they are in fact buying power supplies?

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Kirkus, I'm not saying that an oversized power supply is all you need. I was trying to find out why some experts keep telling that a big power supply is essential, even with preamplifiers. Why do you think manufacturers are making two (or four) chassis preamplifiers with the entire power section occupying an entire chassis? Spectral preamplifiers for example have a power section that is bigger than some power amplifiers! You can't deny that this is way overkill. So what are the benefits of such a design?

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Hi Bill, you forgot to include Spectral. Still it is not very clear to me if a big bad MF of a power supply will ensure that you get: killer bass, bold dynamics, authority and spaciousness.
Btw, some of the fellow Audiogoners use passive preamps (resistor or transformer based) with NO power supply at all --> do they have poor dynamics and bass response?

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Ngjockey, could you tell the link to the PSAudio discussion?
John, still some do not concur with this preconception. I would like to know why this dichotomy exists. It reminds me of the tube vs solid state discussion.

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Hi Alex, do you mean the bigger power supply of the REX sounds better?

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Alex, so bigger does matter!

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
I mean: size does matter!

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Casouza, there are many experts who don't agree with you, the passive preamplifier proponents included. There is a clear dichotomy I suppose.

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Casouza, thx for your precious input. It leads certainly to a greater understanding of this matter. Why do some digital front end manufacturers like Wadia advocate the use of passive (digital) built in preamplifier? If transformer based preamplifier is the answer, why are most preamplifiers still built in the conventional way?

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
What do you think of the so called passive preamp with buffer?

Chris
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