Why a line preamp?

1953

I have an Audio Research LS2 MkII

I've compared it to an LS5 which is much more musical.

The LS2 has alot of slam but is a little too bright on the top end. Glaring at times.

I just bought an EVS Millenium II dac with a volume attenuator (ultimate attenuators) option on the back so that I can run it direct to the power amp, haven't tried that option yet but the dac did add phenominal low end to the pre amps capabilities.

I do alot of taping to a Nakamichi 3 head, so would like something with tape monitor capability, don't need a phono stage.

is the Reference in that category???

thanks

TOm

Tom :

Why yes, it does have a complete tape/tape monitor loop.

It would interesting to compare the DAC's fixed output thru the Reference Line to the DAC's attenuator output. Another passive to passive comparison.

Later Reference Line Models had a direct input feature which was a straight shot thru just the attenuator, thus avoiding the other switches and wiring. Also, a remote volume control was available as an option. Volume only and the remote was kinda clunky but it worked well.

Reference Line stuff is great looking too with mirror polished black anodizing face plates and gold plated handles.

Good Luck

... first of all to add feedback to unstable source output in order to increase dynamics, output voltage and stability for feeding power amplifier.

I tried running a Sony XA7ES CD player direct to McCormack DNA-2DX and didn't like it at all. The music was thin, sterile, hyper-detailed, and lacked "body". Switching back to a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 pre-amp restored timbral richness, deep tight bass, body, naturalness, soundstaging, and was in general much more musical. I will admit that the Sony volume control is probably not very high quality. I like active tube pre-amps with high quality SS amps. Cheers. Craig.

I'm surprised that it was't more evenly balanced between those for and those against an active preamp. I reached as high in actives as a CAT SL-1 III with factory-simplified signal path, and found it clearly inferior, for CD play, to a DIY passive involving Holco resistors, Shallco resistors, good connectors and internal wire. If you want to make your own for around $400, let me know thru Member Lookup. You could also check out the DIY section of www.goldpt.com, where Arn Roatcap explains passive options clearly, with a schematic for a maximally complex passive preamp. It's very likely that you could be completely happy with a simpler one.