2. amps-preamps
  3. 164566-137654

Preamp or not.

I currently have the following setup Bluesound Node 2I, Topping D90, Pass XA25, Crites Type B speakers.
I originally had a Sunfire preamp but it failed. Then I upgraded my system last year. I tried a passive pre amp but removed it and now run the DAC direct to amp. The passive sounded fine but I ended up running it at full volume. No remote. I use the Bluesound ap to change volume. My thinking was less is better. My speakers are efficient and dynamic.

The Topping puts out 2V. Pass told me this is adequate. I am wondering what a preamp would do. How would it improve or degrade the sound? How much gain do I want from the preamp? Tube or solid state? Any other suggestions are welcome or should I just leave this alone? I don’t like buying, selling and failing. Here are some I saw that look interesting.

Pro-Ject Pre

Doge

Modwright

Van Alstine

I would like to spend 2000 or less. I don’t need Phono. Remote volume would be nice. Thank you again.

128x128daledeee1
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I went w/o a preamp for a few years but added one back in (Jeff Rowland Criterion) and won't look back.  Its ALL in the midrange.  I really believe the only way to get that depth of midrange, woodsy tone on the wood winds and reeds, thick gooey gushy music coming from between the speakers is with a really good preamp.  The volume in the digital domain is incredibly difficult to do w/o compressing the sound.  When its done properly, there is really just one optimum setting and that's where you hear the awesome clean detail and low noise floor but you will notice there's no emotion in a vocal, no depth & feel to the music.  
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
563 posts
 
OP here. I worked with Roy atTubes4hifi and he helped me come up with a great solution, a passive with a tube buffer.  We are using the SP12 with option for volume only and adding tubes if desired later for active.  Otherwise the passive vs active argument was going on in my mind. 
avanti1960
1,476 posts
 
passive is nothing more than a switchbox for sources.
active is the way to go if you value dynamics.  10 db gain or so would not cause volume control fine tuning issues.  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Otherwise the passive vs active argument was going on in my mind.
Active preamps cannot make more dynamics than what’s on the music source to start with, if anything they can only reduce and add distortions/colouration. (they are not dynamic range expanders) thank god, as they are rubbish.

When a passive is matched into the system "they cannot" reduced dynamics or add distortion, it is the most transparent and dynamic way of getting the music source signal to the poweramp.

The only thing that’s better is direct connection to the poweramp, if the source has a digital domain volume control, and you go direct to poweramp, that’s used in the top 1/3 of full volume (otherwise below that it could "bit strip" if below 1/3 of full) if below then a $49 Schiit Sys passive can be used as volume preset so then the digital domain volume control can then be used in the top 1/3 of full volume.

Cheers George
avanti1960
1,476 posts
 
@georgehifi   
active preamps can certainly add significant dynamics to the overall sound if a passive or inadequate active is not delivering what is on the recording.  
this is especially true for micro dynamics and quick transitions.  
haven't you ever heard this?  
similar to differences heard with various phono preamps.  the good ones deliver much more.  


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