2. amps-preamps
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Is no preamp really better that a good preamp?

Hi All, I have PS Audio gear, and both my DAC and my phono section have enough gain to run directly to the amp. Is this really the optimal arrangement, or might I actually get better sound by adding a good preamp, say a Cary or a Modwright tube unit, to the mix. Thanks in advance.
rustler
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
It really depends on the quality of the volume control. According to many, analog volume controls using sound better in most systems. Passives too, but the gain issue then comes into play for many.
IMHE, usually an active preamp with analog volume sounds best to most ears. A good tube preamp like the Cary SLP05, Modwright, Backert Labs, Audio Research, Herron, BAT..many options all are good choices.
You can try a cheap pair of passive attenuators for an idea of passisves in your rig. Of course, I'd borrow/demo a preamp first if possible. Cheers,
Spencer
tortilladc
121 posts
 
Oh boy. *grabs popcorn*
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
The answer is ... it depends.

A good pre-amp will add a distinctive sound of its own. You'd have to try one and compare to not using one to know for sure which sounds better to you.
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