2. amps-preamps
  3. 187886-136680

Eliminated my preamp with amazing results

I pulled my preamp out completely. The result's were not subtle. 

For those who stream music only... I was going from my laptop... to my DAC...to my preamp...to my amp. My preamps ONLY function was volume control. Source control not needed.

I started using Audirvana recently which comes with it's own high quality 64 bit volume control that was far better than the potentiometer in my preamp. It dawned on me that I could control volume using Audirvana and plug my DAC directly into the amp and bypass the preamp altogether. (Roon and Jriver also have excellent volume controllers) Note: Audirvana has an app download on a tablet/phone so it acts like a remote control. I'm loving it!

This not only eliminated the preamps volume control but it took out ALL the electronics associated in a preamp including some cables. A FAR more direct route. However, you must use caution and make sure the volume is controlled properly in the software since the amp will be fed wide open volume.

Having experimented with 'passive' preamps in the past (McCormack TLC-1) I thought the sound would possibly lose dynamics and bass response would suffer. WRONG!

The results were...Shocking!! Immediately the extended depth of the image was noticeably deeper. Background darker. The highs are the best I've ever heard. Pristine. The bass was dynamic, tight and most of all 'textured' in a way I never heard before. As I stated earlier the results are NOT subtle! 

This is an experiment that took a few minutes to set up and yielded the best performance improvement of ANY other tweak I've ever tried. Not anything like using a passive preamp.

Equipment used...  Peachtree DAC-itx. 

                               Preamps...McCormack TLC-1 and Melos tube preamp.

                               Amp is McCormack DNA 0.5

Understand that different components will have different interactions with each other. Your results may vary. However, IF you don't like it, it takes just a few minutes to put the preamp back in the system. Nothing to lose and lot's to gain. After hearing this, I will NEVER go back to using a preamp. 

Good luck!

 

 

gdaddy1
gdaddy1 OP
76 posts
 

@wsrrsw 

Thanks !! Wow, That Lumin with LEEDH sounds like a perfect solution. Researching it now. I'm curious if they'll be at the Tampa show in February since I'll be there. Would be nice to talk to them. I wonder also are there any other companies making similar units? Very interesting.

 

wolfie62
352 posts
 

Don’t you risk overloading your DAC this way??

wokeuptobose's avatar
wokeuptobose
118 posts
 

I am straight from my DAC to my amp as of 10 months ago and couldn't be happier. I tried to go straight two times before, but couldn't pull it off:)  Digital components are really improving. 

gdaddy1 OP
76 posts
 

@wolfie62 

Don’t you risk overloading your DAC this way??

No. The signal is attenuated in Audirvana and then sent to the DAC. The DAC has the same demand as when using the preamp. 

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,185 posts
 

As others have mentioned, my experience validates that not one size fits all, and results are system dependent and subject to user preference.  I previously used the volume control of my Weiss 202 DAC direct to a Music Reference RM9 MK2 amp with excellent results.   However... with new amps (Quicksilver KT Mono's), volume control via the Weiss DAC sounded good (detailed and clean), but a bit on the lean and sterile side.  Adding a DeHavilland Ultraverve 3 preamp took my system to a new level, adding body and fullness lacking when using the Weiss direct to amps.

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