2. amps-preamps
  3. 169721-127218

How important is the pre-amp?

Hello all,

Genuine request here for other's experiences.

I get how power amps can make really significant changes to the sound of a system. And of course speakers have an even bigger effect. And then there is the complicated relationship between the speaker and power amp. But I wonder about pre-amps.

In theory a well designed preamp should just act as a source switch and volume control. But does it add (or ruin) magic? Can a pre-amp color the sound? Alter pace and timing? Could you take a great sounding system and spoil it with the wrong preamp? Stereophile once gushed (while reviewing a preamp that cost as much as a car) that the preamp was the heart of the system, setting the tone of everything. Really? Some people don't even bother with a preamp, feeding their DACs straight into the power amp. Others favor passive devices, things without power. If one can get a perfectly good $2K preamp, why bother with 20K?

What your experiences been?
128x128rols
dsper
663 posts
 
@larsman
When I added a Herron Audio tube pre-amp to my system, it was an immense change, and all for the better.
I have been thinking about a Herron preamp.

Why is better than what you had? What did you have before? What's the rest of your system?

Thanks for listening,


Dsper
perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
231 posts
 
Simply stated, a quality pre-amp is critically important in a hi-fi system.  Audition some well regarded preamps in your system before making the leap. 
BOL
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
@itsjustme 

Like I said, I didn't read every comment. Missed yours and mc's.  And you're right on REALLY LONG cables.


tommylion
874 posts
 
In my single source CD based system, the DIY HiFi Supply Django Mini TVC, with Silk transformers, works great, for what I consider a very reasonable price.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/diy-hifi-django-mini-tvc-pre

In my system, I consider the pre essential, but I will never go back to active and/or resistive volume control. When I have the funds to make a serious upgrade, I’m looking at the Music First Audio Baby Reference or Reference.

https://www.mfaudio.co.uk/pre-amplifiers/
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
So in the end, would a high quality integrated be the best way to go (assuming one likes the sound of the unit) due to one less pair of cables, electrical cord, etc?
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