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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?
creeper
251 posts
 
Don't go by the numbers. Hifi gear is voiced by ear, not by statistics. Many "reference" pieces don't look good on paper, but delight the ears. When ever possible, demo gear before buying and trust your ears. Happy hunting!
treyhoss OP
287 posts
 
I'd love to do that but I don't have a dealer in my area!
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