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Is simpler better?

I have been adding components in my audio systems and subtracting as well at times. Over some time now, I wondered if I hear better resolution, dynamics, clarity and get closer to the recorded music when I keep the path short and simple. I mean one source, one integrated amp and to the speakers. Or even a digital component to a DAC then to the integrated amp and finally to speakers. Bypassing the preamp or in some cases bypassing a separate DAC. It certainly elimates the need for redundant volume or gain, reducing wires or cables, reducing the chance for incompatible components and keeping the path short.

For those using turntable(s), does the combination of phono preamp, platter, tonearm, cartridge, motor, isolation get to be too much to manage? To get the best sound? 

Your thoughts? Your experience?

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terry9
2,354 posts
 

My DIY amps are the most complicated machines I’ve ever built - much more so than the DIY turntable and tonearm. Very high parts count. They are unquestionably better than anything else I’ve tried or heard, and that most definitely includes simple amps.

The ’simplest’ amp is just a modular power supply, an op-amp driver, and an output transistor. All the complexity is hidden. The simplest discrete transistor circuits are hopelessly bad.

@wolf_garcia said it well, "Simple can be bettered by "better.""

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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

I would say unless you are willing to learn enough to get a PhD in audio, go with simple

this is silly and ignorant... there is such a thing as practical experience, as many folks here are lifelong music lovers and audiophiles committed to achieving beautifully reproduced music in their homes -- you pursue this for a lifetime, with a passion, you learn what you like, and how to assemble a system that pleases you -- in this light the notion simplicity or complexity for its own sake is far down the list of priorities

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arizonabob
96 posts
 

 After being mystified by some of the people contributing to these topics, this one,by far, makes more sense than all others I've read. I've loved music for more than 60 years and not equipment. Simpler is better. My dad dissuaded me from getting a ten speed bike as a boy. His simple reasoning was "there's more to go wrong". Words to live by, yesterday, today and in the future. If only we could convince the auto industry to follow suit.   AB

antigrunge2
1,444 posts
 

Simpler in terms of absence of unnecessary cabling, I/O and PSU interference: definitely. Also, high efficiency speakers with low powered tube amps can do wonderful things

Complexity however is a must in the current development stage of digital: cleaning up the Ethernet signal through cascading reclocking switches as well as reclocking the USB connection tend to yield sizeable results as does reclocking DACs where design allows it.

Equally, cleaning up the power supplies via filters, transformers and conditioners as well as fuses, connectors and cables is 101 for good sound.

Finally: given modern dacs, many systems don‘t benefit from a separate pre, so simple direct to amp can be better.

 

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