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
lanx0003
676 posts
 

 

+1 @pdreher   ... 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.

The experience detailed above not only emphasizes the synergistic impact of a preamp but also underscores that its effect extends beyond mere volume control, a misconception held by many audiogoners here.

mitch2
3,697 posts
 

Adding a DeHavilland Ultraverve 3 preamp took my system to a new level, adding body and fullness

@pdreher 

Did you ever try adding the DeHavilland Ultraverve 3 or some similar preamp when you were running the Weiss 202 DAC direct to a Music Reference RM9 MK2 amp?  Is it possible you didn’t realize the level of “body and fullness” you were missing?

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,185 posts
 

@mitch2 I did not have the DeHavilland preamp when I owned the Music Reference amp, but did use the Music Reference RM9 MK2 both with and without a preamp and never felt like I was missing anything when the Weiss volume control was used sans preamp.

gdaddy1 OP
78 posts
 

@eoj4952 

Same thought different piece. Can a preamp be replaced by a cd player with volume control, be hooked directly into a 450 watt amp. Or would the speakers explode when turned on. I only play CDs

If the volume control works properly there is no reason the speakers would explode. It should effectively attenuate the signal going to the speakers just as a preamp would. If you're running this CD player through a preamp then you have 2 volume controls in the chain which is unnecessarily redundant and possibly affecting the sound negatively.

One way to find out.

gdaddy1 OP
78 posts
 

This brings up the question..."what is the function of a preamp?"

My understanding is that it has 2 main functions. #1 is to control volume. #2 is allow selection of various source components. I didn't think the preamp was intended to 'add' anything to the signal and a good preamp does as little damage/degradation to the signal as possible. Adding gain does make the sound more lively but can amplify unwanted artifacts. For some, tube distortion is a positive thing. To each their own.

For some, it appears the purchase of a preamp may be an unnecessary expense and may even improve the sound by removing it.

 

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