2. amps-preamps
  3. 1111638626

Used Rowland 302 or H2O Signatures CD Direct

I am looking for an amp to run a pair of Magnepan 20.1 speakers. I have heard great things about the H2O Signature Amps. My main concern is I have no preamp and don't plan on using one. I am using an Audio Aero CD Player directly. So the question is does the H2O amp require an active preamp? If so then would I be better served grabbing a used Rowland 302? Also I have read that the H2O requires a shielded Power cord. Does the unit come with one or would I have to buy one?

Thanks for your help...
muslover
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
All class D amps, including Rowland amps, would benefit from shielded cables. I bought Shunyata Snakebites, for the amps. For my other components, I made up some cords using 12 GA Belden cord in bulk. I think, with plugs, that all came to about $30 per cord. I first ran my H2O's with ordinary cords. It was the best sound I had ever heard. Adding shielded cables just made it better.

Why some people think a preamp degrades sound? If I had been running my previous amps, Pass X600 monos, direct, I still would not go back. I am using a used Adcom 750, soon to be upgraded.

The H2O can be run direct. I heard a prototype pared with a Wadia, and the sound was great. Still, I wonder what it would have sounded like with a strong preamp in the mix.

Oh yes, H2Os are being supplied with shielded cords.
muslover OP
4 posts
 
To me it is not a matter of whether the preamp affects the sound. I have one component, a CD player which has an analog output with remote. I just don't see any value to adding a control unit when I already have one. Now if I had multiple sources then a preamp would make sense.
audio999
178 posts
 
To me,preamp is more important than amp. You just need to find the right one. (usually costly)
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