2. amps-preamps
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Need A Quick Education

I am narrowing down a short-list of preamplifiers that have the features I want. Unable to audition them, I wanted to know what a good "Signal to Noise" ratio is. I am seeing 90dB through up to 102dB. Is a higher number here better? I know that with CD and SACD/DVDA players a higher S/N ration is a good thing, is it the same with preamps? If I run an SACD player through a preamp with a 90dB (or lower), what am I losing? BTW: all the pre's I am looking at are SS and the one in the lead has a s/n of 90dB. Thanks in advance!!
treyhoss
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Don't base your decision on specs.Give a call to Bruce Jacobs/Sound World at:920-733-8539.They allow for home demonstration on many models.Good specs don't translate into good sound.Good luck!
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
as soon as it >= 90db it doesn't make a difference in these terms as long as it can play music the way you want to hear it.
treyhoss OP
287 posts
 
I was under the impression that the lower the number (SNR) the less quiet it would be, in terms of "hiss", etc. I realize it will play music and maybe even play it well, but will I have to turn the volume up higher and (possibly) sacrifice a "black" background as opposed to a pre with a higher SNR?
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