It all depends on the preamp!
Happy Listening.
Happy Listening.
Should I eliminate my preamp?
I have been using my Audio Research tube preamp and Bryston amp to drive Magnepan speakers for years. Recently I added a Oppo blue ray player to my system and connected directly to my amp using the balance cables. The reason was to eliminate the signal having to go through another piece of equipment before it hits the amp. Am I wrong or what am I missing?
Showing 2 responses by bigkidz
chuckjonez19 posts04-05-2018 10:55pmThe first truly high end piece of gear I bought was a pre-amp. I couldn’t believe that change it made in my system. Without changing my midfi CD player or power amp, I was hearing a 3 dimensional sound stage for the first time, and a less brittle, much warmer and rounder sound. It excited me so much I rushed to purchase a high end power amp. It added bass authority and an even rounder more musical sound, but the soundstage magic was still a product of the preamp. I’ve been a preamp believer ever since, and would not consider using only a DAC with a volume control. That’s my limited experience. Direct vs. Preamp - the basic question. Seems to me that checkjonez figured out what he prefers and that is all that matters. No one person here can say for sure as each system has many variables. You can change the sound of any piece of equipment CDP, pre, amp by simply changing resistors, caps, etc. You don't always have to chase a higher priced component. I prefer a preamp, some may not. To me it does not depend on the quality of the source, direct has a different presentation than a tube preamp IMO and in my system. Which is closer to being real - that depends on what you prefer with your own ears. I understand what checkjonez is saying. Soundstage magic with his tube preamp. Happy Listening. |