2. amps-preamps
  3. 1104201452

Are Preamps necessary?

I love classical music, and I have a simple system: a pair of Klipsch (RF-5) floorstanders, and Yamaha components (CDP, Tuner, and Amp). What I want from my system is to be able to close my eyes and feel like I'm there at the symphony, live.

I want to know if a preamp will help me achieve my goal. When are they necessary, or beneficial?

David
bridge36
dazzdax
599 posts
 
With a high quality preamp the sound is fuller with a bigger soundstage. Driving a power amp directly from a CDP gives you a more transparent and detailed sound, but you will sacrifice some bloom and soundstage becomes more shallow. This appears to be a consistent finding to me.
robm321
932 posts
 
Dazzdax is right on. Even though it may add another component in the chain, the preamp does something to the sound that actually helps it. Don't ask me why, but I've found the same thing.

Rob
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
435 posts
 
Have you listened to a system that blew you away? Find one
and then take it from there.
More to discover