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What is more important source or preamp?

Oh boy here we go again, but I am just shocked how important the preamp is from my latest experience, but isn't the source more important since without a good signal doesn't matter how good the preamp is.
I know both are important, but would like to hear audiogoner stories about big improvements from making new purchases.
I would rather hear experiences than hunches or theories.
pedrillo

Showing 2 responses by stiltskin

stiltskin
499 posts
 
Pedrillo,
I'm a bit behind you with regards to settling on a phono stage right now.
Sorry no hands on experience yet with a great preamp just alot of coloured over priced pretty boxes over the years.
Though my hunch right now to take serious is something from Jeffery Jackson of Experience Music Inc. or Guy Hammel of Placette Audio, Guy's active line stage.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
The signal from a source through a preamp be it FM broadcast , phono stage or cd, this is where a great front end will hit the wall if the preamp is a bad design at ANY price level.
For anyone serious about this issue not using a preamp, you will need volume controls and certainly not the ones offered with the majority of components.

This is where magnetic based passive volume controls come into play, then again this path may not work in your particular set up ,you have to try one. "However if it does" you can forget the line stage.

Years ago I went that route and it did not work for me,for others they will never return to a preamp.
I will re-visit, try again with these superb controls.

As for a "serious preamp" a good place to start would be Jeffery Jackson's unique tube design, Experience Music Inc. and for solid state Guy Hammels active line stage, Placette Audio.
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