2. amps-preamps
  3. 167931-90138

Best Preamp and Amp combination, interesting finding!!!

Hi all,

Yesterday, I decided to conduct a very interesting experience using my amp and preamp combinations. In the interest of fair discussion and also avoiding brand war, please allow me to conceal the name of the amps and preamps, knowing that both amps and preamps came from the same manufactures. The combinations are as below: 

Combination 1 (C1): $3000 preamp + $1000 amp
Combination 2 (C2): $1000 preamp + $3000 amp.

I went back and forth between C1 and C2 several times with multiple people, using the same speakers and DAC. The volume of both C1 and C2 was adjusted to be equal using my Db meter. 
At the end of the experience, almost everyone including me prefers C1. Which is a higher-end preamp combined with the lower-end amp. 
I was surprised by that finding. I always thought that the amp has a greater impact to sound quality, but my experiment proved otherwise. If you have any similar experiences, please let me know. I would like to understand why it happens that way. Why the preamp has a greater impact on the overall sound quality comparing to the amp?
128x128viethluu
rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
247 posts
 
I agree the pre amp is more influential in terms of getting a sweet sound.  In other words it can likely get in the way of the sound more than the amp.  However, Garbage In Garbage Out is real and if the amp is limiting then the pre amp is just going to reveal in better detail the sonic deficiencies of the amp.

I found spending more on the pre amp is more rewarding.  Unfortunately,  just spending more in general is also more rewarding. I have been moving up the line with the manufacturer of my pre amp and am on my 3rd model.  It lists for many multiples of what the op is using.  I could never go back-wards now and I have a bit of an itch for a higher model because I know its just going to be better.

I have no interest in changing my amps.
johnkent3
63 posts
 
Both equally important in my experience.

Preamp can really taylor the sound to how you want it, especially if using DSP! But DSP isn't always necessary. I only use it for home theater.
I was a proponent of "all good amps sound the same" until I got an ultra quiet AHB2 - That really changed my mind and i'll never be able to go back now unless it's equally quiet or better.
tarheelneil51
37 posts
 
I just saw a video by Paul McGowan, owner of P.S. Audio.  He ranks the power amp a good bit higher in importance than the preamp.  His reasoning is that than allows for optimizing the amp/speaker interface...if you don't get that right, nothing before that will ever sound right.  
mesch
3,418 posts
 
With a reference to an upgrade in resolution and soundstaging to an existing quality system, and assuming the speakers are end game, the amp has proven compatible with the speakers, the pre compatible to the amp, and the source components are commensurate with the upgrade, I would upgrade the preamp over the amplifier. 

Based on some comments that have been posted on other threads I hope my use of commas in that long winded sentence passes muster :-).
thinman2
37 posts
 
The Pass Labs xp30 preamp opened up the world of music for my ears.
More to discover