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
bvdiman
491 posts
 

No preamp is better than Bad preamps.

rbstehno
1,406 posts
 

I agree. My system sounds much better going straight from the dac into the amp, and I had a great sounding preamp. My dac is fpga based with an attenuation control so I can get the best sound by using this control.

genesis777
112 posts
 

I'm using just the amp and a dac and I think it sounds great. For others maybe not but I'm happy with it. 

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

Like everything - depends on the preamp.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,896 posts
 

A quality active preamplifier is much better then a passive dac to amplifier ,

especially if you have a Quality vaccum tube preamp the signal is amplified and transformer ,choke gain stage when under load is bigger soundstage ,deeper and better imaging ,adding the vacuum tubes adds an added dimension ,having owned a Audio store ,as well as Audiophile for over 40 years I have had every combination 

and their is plenty of ample proof putting a Quality preamplifier at least a  $5 k lie stage preamplifier is far better then use dac to amplifier you need to spend money 

to get mid Audiophile quality .

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