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Sonnet Morpheus Owners! Preamp or Not?

I currently run my Morpheus MKII direct into Benchmark AHB2 mono blocks via the balanced outputs and really love the sound.  I'm thinking of a Benchmark LA4 Pre for its features. I'm wondering if I'd gain or lose any sonic qualities with the Morpheus in this configuration or is it likely neutral?  Do you use a preamp with your Morpheus? Appreciate your inputs.

timothy_m

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,530 posts
 

The LA4 tends to make DACs sound better. Mostly because the volume control is one of the best and the preamp is so quiet that the DAC is usually the weaker link (noisier). I bet your DAC is no different and it will sound better with the LA4.

Interestingly, for me, the AHB2 is the trickier amp to get right with the LA4. Both are so revealing that weakness anywhere in the system is going to stick out.

I have an easier time pairing the CODA#16 and Sanders Magtech with the LA4, However, the reason I have trouble with the AHB2 is because one of my DACs is too hot, the Benchmark DAC3B and in another system the speaker is a bit bright. So not really the fault of the AHB2.

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