2. amps-preamps
  3. 1095249017

Please help: Do I need a preamp?

Hi!
I need your advice about my system, I am suspicious about impedance mismatch. My system consist of: ML 39 CD player direct to BAT VK-75 amp and Audio Physic Virgo II, Stealth PGS XLR and AZ Hologram II cables.
The sound is not enough dynamic with lack of bass and a bit thin. The resolution and soudstage is fine.
Getting a BAT pre would solve the problem? Or is it better to change the CD player to the AA Capitole which has tube output?
I can not compare this two options so I need your opinions.

Regards
Norbert
norbert2
macallan25
52 posts
 
I DON'T KNOW YOUR SPEAKERS BUT ALL LOOKS OK.
MY 2 CENTS
I WOULD WORK ON CABLES FIRST, MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE STEALTH WASN'T GREAT, IC'S -SO TRY SOME KUBALA EMOTION LINE/ VALHALLA/PURE NOTE VERSION 4. SPEAKER CABLES TRY KUBALA EMOTION / JENA VALKYRE/ TRANSPARENT REFERRENCE. SEE WHAT THAT DOES. YOUR ML 39 IS OK THE BAT IS OK, SPEAKERS ?
macallan25
52 posts
 
You could try a good pre-amp. A good pre-amp is always a good asset in any system.

I think that cables could be an issue here.

If possible try either IC's Kubala-Emotion/ Valhalla/ Pure Note version 4.

Also I would try the Kubala Emotion / Jena Valkyre/ or the Tranparent Reference speaker cables.

my 2 cents
reubent
6,994 posts
 
Macallan,

Why is a good pre-amp "Always a good asset in any system"? I have run my system CD direct for several years now, using several different CD players that have variable output. I think it sounds fantastic.

Last weekend I took my Quad 99 CD-P over to a friends house. My friend has a very high resolution system that list for over $25,000. When we played the system using the Quad CD-direct, bypassing his $4000 pre-amp, it was much better than when the pre-amp was in the system. BTW, it is a very highly regarded pre-amp.

There is certainly a place for a good pre-amp, but it is not necessary for all systems. Plus, the big bucks saved on the cost of a pre-amp can be used somewhere else. I'm a huge fan of CD-direct! For my single source system and the type of music I prefer, I like the simplicity and transparency of running CD direct.

Enjoy,

TIC
jjmali
108 posts
 
I would be willing to bet your problem is the lack of a preamp. I tried a passive pre and had the exact problem you are describing. The passive I tried was a pretty cheap - I don't recall the brand. I agree with Elizabeth.
merge038346
73 posts
 
Most source components will sound better (more linear freq response, wider dynamic range) through a high quality pre-amp. Sometimes a source component will mate beautifully with an amp, most of the time the impedances vary with frequency, and not just one stated imedance, and the match isn't what the spec's would suggest.

But with any system, it's a "system", so use what works best.
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