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
mspot
113 posts
 

@arhgef Have you looked at Goldpoint? I'm more familiar with their attenuators, which are high quality and well regarded. Their switches should be good as well (as they should be for the price).

https://www.goldpt.com/sw2x.html

arhgef
52 posts
 

Thanks mspot. Those and maple tree audio seem to be high quality. Could put in a transformer for volume control and diy. Appreciate the tip. Amazing when you get into this how many small shops there are on the web doing really interesting things. 

antigrunge2
1,366 posts
 

Uptone Etherregen, Lhy Audio SW6 and/or SW10, SoTM, Waversa, Afterdark, Muon, Silent Angel. No lack of choice here.

arhgef
52 posts
 

much appreciate antirunge2. I will stop saying thanks (just think it) to not clog up the conversation.

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,889 posts
 

As i said with the huge difference in price, design quality, needs etc there is no rule applicable to all case...

Removing a preamplifier or adding one CANNOT be a rule for all cases...

For me, i just receive new tubes for my low cost Douk preamplifier i coupled to my active speakers ( heavily modified) the difference before with low cost tube was evident for the better, it is now staggeringly better with these tubes...I will never return to self amplified speakers with no tube preamplification...As i will never use low cost active speakers with rear porthole without redesigning it for the best and the tweeter waveguide too .. 😁

In my case it was necessary to add a tube preamplifier ...

By the way my sound quality for the invested price amaze me so much it cannot be believed even by me listening to it ...😁

Acoustics, and electrical and mechanical workings controls embedded  devices are the key...

i pity anyone who pay more for not much better...

buy high-end gear yes if you can , but learn how to embed it seriously...If you miss optimizing your gear you will upgrade unnecessarily... Trust me on this...

😊

Am i deaf if i am wrong feeling no need to upgrade to a high end system ?

The truth is between a well optimized system at any price and a costlier one not optimized the difference if it exist is thinner than most people think ...Not worth the money in many case.... Then if you had just bought high end learn how to embed it ...

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