2. amps-preamps
  3. 1151261716

Do I even need or want a preamp?

For over 5 years my home audio system had been stable. I used a Wadia 6 direct into a Jeff Rowland Model 1 with Synergistic Research balanced interconnects, out to a pair of Aerial 10Ts (Synergistic Research cables). I knew that the speakers could use more power than the Roland could give, and that the Wadia 6 was now pretty outdated. I recently replaced the Wadia and the Rowland with an Accuphase DP-57 CD player and a used Levinson 336 amp, plus replaced the interconnects with a pair of Tara Labs Air2. The end result was that the Aerials came alive and I am hearing MUCH more detail without harshness.

I brought home a BAT preamp to try out and have to say that whatever differences (other than volume capability) seemed quite subtle. The bass might have been a bit tighter, but it seemed like some of the ambient information was lost. Considering the $6500 list price of the preamp, I am trying to figure out if a preamp is even helpful for my system. The Accuphase has its own internal volume control. Never having owned a preamp before, I don't know what I was expecting, but improvement in the sound did not seem to be present with the preamp. I am now leaning towards not adding a preamp to the system, but want to know if I'm simply uninformed about any benefits that one might do for my current system.

Thanks in advance for helping me learn!
brian_scherzer
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
You didn't say how long you've tried the BAT in your system?

What I try to do when deciding on a component that seems close is listen to it for 30 days then take it out of the system. If you miss it, then keep it.
beemer
444 posts
 
BAT/Levinson/Aerial have good synergy. I owned 10T's and used 33H's with a VK50SE. You have a great system going there.

If you are happy with the sound without a preamp, then good for you, enjoy the music and pocket the savings.

You make no mention of the cables you used for the preamp when you had it to try. All of your current components will reveal all about the interconnect and speaker wire used, and show you nothing but the truth. At the level you are at any change in cable should be immediately noticeable for better or worse. This could be why the BAT preamp didn't do much for you.

Best,

Paul :-)
brainwater
520 posts
 
Hi Brian . I own the 10 s and 20 s in a multichannel system and while the 20 is excellent and the 10 quite good , they both are a demanding load.I personally feel that the 20 t is one of the most resolving , musically satisfying speakers I have exer heard so if you like the Aerial family , I too suggest looking into the 20 t. In my Pipedream 21 system , I am struggling with the preamp issue myself. I am CSM for Apl Hi Fi and Alex is a firm believer in no preamp and designs his products with internal volume . I compared the Apl 3910 with 6 dacs per channel to the CJ Act 2. Going straight brought a livelier sense of spaciousness , more air and top end extension with a natural presentation to the sound that was focused and open . Installing the Act 2 closed the air off a touch but brought a more diverse palette of harmonic shadings throughout the entire frequency range . Throughout the midrange especially , the timbre contrasts were greater.There was more burnished tone to the Sax , more chest to male vocals , more delineation to the various percussive drums as each was struck in a drum kit. Conversely , the startling snap of leading edge transients were sharper with the unit bypassing the preamp. Its ultimately a matter of taste as much of this hobby is.
tubeears
136 posts
 
You have just discribed what some 'philes may not now, or may not ever, experience. That is a "synergy" within your audio system. If you would like to add another source or would like to correct the details in the sonic field and/or add multiple function, then you need a pre-amp. Since your sound is about dead on, I would suggest a fairly cheap way of addressing the pre-mp issue. The use of a "high quality" Passive pre-amp may suit your needs. I use a McCormack TLC-1 that sells (usually) for under 500.00. It is transparent and detailed my system. There quite a few others, as well, that range from about 500.00 to 2000.00 new (and of course, less used). All of them (that I know of) have had good reviews.

Tubby
entrope
482 posts
 
I will second the passive preamp route. I am using a Reference Line 1A with Atma-sphere M-60 MKIII amps. It has been the single biggest improvement in the system since the Atma-Spheres. It brought out detail, imaging and richness in my Silverline Sonatas I have never experienced. It bested a Sonic Frontiers and a Cary in my system.
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