2. amps-preamps
  3. 1074903995

Won't preamps become obsolete?

I'm in the market for a new preamp because I want to upgrade from my Conrad Johnson PV10A. I listen mostly to vinyl but some CD and hopefully SACD some day so I need a preamp to integrate sources. As I look at the used preamp ads on A'gon, however, I notice more and more people saying that they are selling their preamp because they are going directly from a cd player with volume control into an amp. As vinyl wanes (never with me!) will the preamp follow suit or become more oriented towards integrating home theatre digital video and audio sources?
jyprez

Showing 2 responses by listener57

listener57
730 posts
 
There is the SCE Harmonic Recovery System, an active black box with no buttons or knobs, to place between the CD source, and the amp(s) which will improve the quality of signal transmission. It is much cheaper than any preamp, going used on Audiogon in the $250 range, and allows for those who prefer a direct connection, but feel that lack of preamp is failing to optimize the sound reproduction.
I use in each of my systems, both with, and without a preamp stage, and it improves the sound, as a good tweak should.
listener57
730 posts
 
Aside from the discussion whether active, or passive, or no preamp can work better, may I mention another way to enhance signal transfer? Although I am a fan of the $350 EVS Ultimate Attenuators from tweakaudio.com, I have found that there is a way to improve passive or active preamp, or even no preamp (Ultimate Attenuators.)
Placing the SCE Harmonic Recovery System active box (no controls to adjust) between the CD source and the amplification seems to greatly enhance the CD listening experience.
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