2. amps-preamps
  3. 174980-170745

The Best Preamp is no Preamp?

So recently I've discovered the possibility of completely removing my preamp from my rig. I've never heard or considered this before, so much audio tradition... But in going directly from DAC to amplifier the sound quality is absolutely incredible, instantly had me grinning. Using music server to Chord M Scaler to Chord Qutest (cut out Marantz SR5015) to go directly to dual Emotiva XPA-DR1 monoblocks, to GR Research's 24 strand speaker wire to Magnepan 1.7i's.  Only difference is running volume on server vs Marantz remote, sound quality is the biggest jump I've ever heard with any gear.

Have you guys had experience cutting out the preamp from your rig? What's your thoughts?

128x128brandonhifi
invalid
1,085 posts
 

If you were using the marantz AVR for a preamp I can understand why it would sound better direct. I used a marantz AVR for a preamp and it didn't sound very good, I replaced it with a dedicated preamp for a big improvement.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,468 posts
 

The preamp is the heart of a great system,     aside from choice of speakers it is the most vital component in the chain 

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

I'm using a TD124 a Decware ZP3 and MC240 cables to QSO 808 monitors. So simple. The gain is on the MC240. I was listening to a bunch of Al Greens old LPs yesterday. :-)

I added a C20, either or was heaven, the difference was not just tone control but, a variable loudness, bass contour with bass and treble control. Did it make a difference? BIGGER :-) What a difference a preamp can make.
I can set everything flat and it's as neutral as can be and a pitch black background. Samra C20, dead quiet. Little LP noise between songs.. 

Regards

 

yyzsantabarbara
4,530 posts
 

Try listening to your digital preamp (dac) at low volume first before reaching the conclusion of not needing an analog preamp.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,615 posts
 

If you run short cables you can get away with this. But if you have monoblocks (which are useful for keeping your speaker cables as short as possible) then no so well. I've found that using balanced connections to the monoblocks and having short speaker cables got me better bass, more engaging midrange and easier to understand vocals.

You can't do that with a passive- it allows the cables to color the sound. Quite often sources like a DAC can't handle long cables either. But I've found over time that the quality of the preamp has an enormous affect- and the length of the cables has nothing to do with it. Some are terrible- and so using no preamp at all is better, and some are great and actually sound a lot better when used.

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