The first time one does this it is all very exciting and new, but as aforesaid, there are combinations of gear where all things considered the pre in the chain is preferable. One simply has to try with each system.
Best Preamp - NO preamp... (?)
A few hours ago I decided to experiment and bypassed my highly regarded, excellent passive preamp and hooked up my PS Audio DSD DAC directly to the power amp.
There is no going back...
Every aspect of the sound has improved so dramatically that I'm simply blown away. I'm a bit shocked, playing CD after CD and I still can't believe it.
My phono stage has gain control as well, so it seems that from now on it will be disconnecting RCAs and plugging each in turn.
Since I usually do vinyl day or cd day (or week) anyway, the trouble seems totally worth it. Letting the cable settle in for a bit is not an issue.
Am I just crazy or are any of you doing the same?
Should I be concerned about damaging the RCAs over time?
Thanks for your thoughts and experience. :-)
There is no going back...
Every aspect of the sound has improved so dramatically that I'm simply blown away. I'm a bit shocked, playing CD after CD and I still can't believe it.
My phono stage has gain control as well, so it seems that from now on it will be disconnecting RCAs and plugging each in turn.
Since I usually do vinyl day or cd day (or week) anyway, the trouble seems totally worth it. Letting the cable settle in for a bit is not an issue.
Am I just crazy or are any of you doing the same?
Should I be concerned about damaging the RCAs over time?
Thanks for your thoughts and experience. :-)
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- 78 posts total
ami, very simple to understand in terms of simple math: usually in dedicative active preamp the volume control is substantially better also applies to the rest of sound quality or characteristics. the minimalistic units i've mentioned may even use smaller signal preamp path than your source components believe it or not. if your source components have 'direct' option bypassing volume control, than you should at least try out active preamp for the beginning found as a loaner at your local or nearest high end electronics retailer. |
None of you have mentioned using a high quality passive pre. Ami, you should consider this- http://www.thebespokeaudiocompany.com/ |
Thanks for all your comments! RE: shorter path / better parts with preamp - I doubt that is the case here. The passive I was using has a $400 P&G volume pot, and the volume control of the DS DAC is a digital one AFAIK, so it introduces no additional components in the signal path. RE: a more expensive passive or some 'magic' signal processors, I am still to be convinced that adding anything in the signal path, no matter how good, can make things better. RE: What is "better"? that is something I can't argue with. If you like the specific distortion or the coloration that a component introduces, then by all means, go for it. I am on the search for "Hi-Fi" - transparency and not coloration. I am of the opinion that if you need to add a preamp to make up for your speaker's deficiencies, you should be looking for better speakers. RE: PS Audio BHK, I will ask Paul in the PS audio forum again. It will be interesting to hear his answer :-) Have a wonderful weekend all! |
infection, I typed my response that the OP should try a TVC, and then deleted it. I would highly recommend OP to try a TVC instead of using the DAC directly. It should not be a problem because he indicates that he has enough gain in the system. The Bespoke is a pricey TVC. He can look for something on the lines of Promitheus Reference/Signature or Audio Music AMR-S. |
- 78 posts total