The future of preamps

For digital sources, preamps may also provide DAC and DSP, in addition to the functions that Ralph notes. I can foresee more HT style functionality creeping into the traditional preamps as digital sources continue to dominate, but I don't see the preamp going away.

Perhaps I've been misled, but I thought the redbook standard output was 2 volts?

12-10-13: Unsound
Perhaps I've been misled, but I thought the redbook standard output was 2 volts?

I haven't ever had occasion to look at the redbook specification document, but the de facto norm seems to be "full scale" (i.e., maximum) amplitudes of 2 volts unbalanced and 4 volts balanced. That would be based on the usual convention of defining balanced amplitudes as corresponding to the instantaneous difference between the voltages of the two signals in a balanced signal pair, the 4 volt number therefore reflecting each of the two signals being 2 volts.

Ralph's designs are balanced, of course, although they often provide both balanced and unbalanced inputs. I suspect that is why he mentioned 4 volts.

Best regards,
-- Al

Based on my experience the preamp is the heart and soul of a system. Sure one can argue I don't need fine food or Parma ham to survive, but these foods are simply more enjoyable than bread and water. Ya, I can survive without them. Yes, my system works without my tube preamp, but it does not taste as good:-) Pretty simple stuff.

Al, that might explain it, thanks.