2. amps-preamps
  3. 1074903995

Won't preamps become obsolete?

I'm in the market for a new preamp because I want to upgrade from my Conrad Johnson PV10A. I listen mostly to vinyl but some CD and hopefully SACD some day so I need a preamp to integrate sources. As I look at the used preamp ads on A'gon, however, I notice more and more people saying that they are selling their preamp because they are going directly from a cd player with volume control into an amp. As vinyl wanes (never with me!) will the preamp follow suit or become more oriented towards integrating home theatre digital video and audio sources?
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sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
My preamp is the most important component in my system. It takes what is otherwise just sound and brings it to life..
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
I've never owned a preamp, and don't see one in my system any time soon.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If you listen to vinyl you must have a preamp. Try hooking your turntable right up to the amp (LOL)!
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I listen to vinyl on a Linn LP12 and to digital on a TEAC VRDS T1 / Apogee DA1000E. My amps are Shanling SP-80 monoblocs with built-in electronic volume control. I could run CD playback straight to the amplifiers but I choose not to because there is an optimal amp volume setting ( -30dB ). So I put everything through the Klyne preamp and use its volume control, and feel I am getting the best that way.

So for me, running without a preamp is an option if you have only one source which is not vinyl, and if your volume control is excellent at all levels. For other systems, preamps will remain useful.
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