2 channel Preamp or Pass on the PRE???

You're going to get honest answers from people who prefer the sound each way.

The direct drive method, (no preamp) operates your system without any additional circuitry and connecting cables. There is certainly good argument for less is more in this case.

Ultimately, the answer comes down to equipment. The best quality preamp will sound better in most every situation. The best preamps will do a better job of driving the interconnect cable and input stages of the amps, while providing additional gain and dynamics.

The problem is, it may require a very high end preamp to overcome the direct drive method.

Personally, I prefer the sound with my Callisto in the system, even if I had no additional sources.

Ah!!

Thanks Albert, I would not have thought of that. I actually like the sound the Marantz CD-80 fed to the MA-24 47wpc of class A does with the Hales Revelation Ones. I tried the same set up with the Aerial 10Ts, and it didn't sound right at ALL! That said, it is a nice set for the Hales. I just wish at time I could add a sub, but I don't think that is possible in my current set up, is it?

Dan

Perhaps I lack the ability to discriminate but I have listened to several CDP to Amp configurations that were amazingly dynamic. One system that absolutely floored me was a Wadia 850/Pass Labs 150/DAL SC4a setup. As I plan to obtain an analog rig I have a preamp. This has allowed me to run a long interconnect from pre to amps, thus removing the rack from between the speakers. Amazing how this increases the depth of the soundstage.

Also subs like REL recommend connecting to the amp instead of the pre. So this combination would work fine in a CDP/Amp configuration.