Is my preamp useless?

"For me, the next component to upgrade would be the BAT preamp from a 52SE to a 53SE. But something occurred to me. I don’t listen loud. The gain on my PSA DSD is set to less than 100 and the BAT preamp is usually set between -20 and -10. So if my volume control is never set in the + range, is my preamp doing ANYTHING other than attenuating the volume and serving as a multi-input switch? Is all that Super Tube, single gain stage, zero feedback, high energy storage circuitry a waste of money?"

A preamp does quite a bit more than just adjust volume. Reading your post, it sounds like you may have a technical background. Is that the case? That may have an effect on how you deal with this, that’s why I ask.

Thanks for the responses. Fwiw, the rest of my system consists of Cary Audio 500.1 monos and custom speakers from Selah Audio. Cabling is Transparent Musicwave Super XLRs. I don't have a technical background.

So if I try the passive route, what do I look for?

Thanks All!

"So if I try the passive route, what do I look for?

Thanks All!
Slanski62 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

Since you already have an outstanding preamp, I would say to make a commitment to get rid of it until you are sure that you have a definite replacement that you like better. The easiest way to try a passive, if you don't have a local dealer, is to call The Cable Company (fatwyre.com). They lend out audio components for you to try as demo's. That way you don't have to buy anything first, just to see if you like it or not.

I wouldn't get my hopes up on going with a passive, though. I like passives very much and recommend them on a regular basis. The reason I do is because you usually have to buy a really good active preamp to get where it actually sounds as good, if not better, than a passive. Your preamp, in my opinion at least, is beyond that mark by a comfortable margin. I see trying a passive more as a learning experience for you, than a serious effort to get better sound than what you have. But I still say try it. Its great experience, and you may end up using what you learn in a different system or situation.

I have never met a passive that I could live with. The sound always seems weak and uninspired.

As other have said Slanski62, use your PSA dac direct into your Cary mono's, it will be an eye/ear opener, and you may sell your preamp.

As for your phono stage, it's a pity the PSA does not have analogue inputs to except the phono stage.
So purchase this cheap $49 passive that gives you input switching as well for everything. Then you can still go direct into your amp with your dac when you want the very best from your digital source.

http://schiit.com/products/sys

Cheers George