2. amps-preamps
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To tone control or not to tone control

I recently stepped up to a Conrad Johnson PFR preamp to mate with my CJ MF-2200 amp (200 wpc). Was previously running an Adcom GTP-450 pre/tuner which had bass/treble controls which help to compensate for those recordings which are recorded poorly. Though the CJ PFR sounds really good on most of my cd's there are some of my favorite artists whose recordings are really pitiful. Is there a good tone control which I can use on the PFR to use for these poor recordings? Is there a way to connect both preamps to one system. I do have an older cdp that I could connect to the Adcom preamp for the poor cd's and use the main system for the good stuff. I have also thought of trying a subwoofer to help with filling in the bottom end since most of the poor recordings are R&B and Rock N'Roll and that is where they seem to be lacking the most. The rest of my system consists of a Sherwood Newcastle 980 cdp and Infinity RS 5000 speakers (12 yrs old) and next to be replaced. As always your help is appreciated
128x128artemus_5
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Enjoying music is what counts -- so do try Bruce's suggestion before U spend mega $ on the likes of Cello. While you're at it, also try the cdp w/out isolation; it might help the bass...
And don't worry about purists: we're all in this for the music (methinks). Cheers!
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,934 posts
 
Thanks Greg. Your comments have been insightful and helpful. As for my comments about the purists, they were meant for humor and not for insult. Hope no one takes it the wrong way.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I have two preamps. One a straightline low output MC preamp with separate transformer, no on/off button, no tone contros, no balance, one phono, one tape loop, only a variable (and defeatable +4 dB bas eq). It's a Biotronics Gestalt. The other preamp is a Proton with bass eq, loudness, bass, mid, treble, elrctronic crossover, dubbing, etc.

My opinion? Wish the Proton sounded as good and clean as the Biotronics!!!!! Would love to have that clean sound combined with flexibility. Closest alternative? Van Alstine's FET Hybrid preamp w/tone controls...
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
just an observation about the lack of tone controls on highend pre's: accuphase includes remotely controllable tone controls on their top-of-the line all digital dc-330. the control can be bypassed but if engaged allows you to select 2 frequencies in the "high" (2khz, 7khz) and "low" (200hz, 500 hz) ranges and adjust any or all of these frequencies in .5db increments. i have rarely used this feature but have found that it does not "distort" the sound, presumably since it works entirely in the digital domain.

accuphase also offers a 64 band digital "voicing equalizer" that may function as a super-sophisticated "tone control" allowing you to compensate for room anomalies. this product, the dg-28, as well as the dc 330 are quite pricy but they do work. there are less-expensive choices, too, including those sold by z systems. -kelly
jim
418 posts
 
Artemus, I can understand your dilema. My speakers are very revealing and while I have sorted out upstream components, it is still frustrating to listen to poorly recorded CD's. The more revealing and transparent your system is, the more source material becomes a factor. Like most people here I do not subscribe to tone controls in the circuit -- the simplest, most direct pre-amp circuit is best IMO. I am able to deal with poor recordings by clicking in a little more triode and a little less pentode on my Baron amp; how much depends on the recording. It doesn't transform a poor recording into a good one, but it does make it easier to listen to good music that is recorded badly. I will say that I rarely do this. If adding tone controls makes things better to your ears, I say go for whatever sounds best to you.
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