2. amps-preamps
  3. 135090-99023

Should I eliminate my preamp?

I have been using my Audio Research tube preamp and Bryston amp to drive Magnepan speakers for years. Recently I added a Oppo blue ray player to my system and connected directly to my amp using the balance cables. The reason was to eliminate the signal having to go through another piece of equipment before it hits the amp. Am I wrong or what am I missing?
elf1
auxinput
2,921 posts
 
I have had the same experiences as electro slacker.  There are times when a certain preamp will add a magic to the sound that isn’t there with the DAC/source.  Just like I mentioned above, a preamp is a tool that can be used to help shape/tune the sound.
techno_dude
382 posts
 
My dac digital  section is no slouch, but the last McIntosh  preamplifier brought magic to my system. Wihout it the sound was thinner, narrower..
phomchick's avatar
phomchick
209 posts
 
This discussion reminds me of the time Bob Carver made his non-audiophile solid-state amplifier sound exactly like a Stereophile Class A Conrad Johnson tube amp by adding distortion. 
markwatkiss
508 posts
 
Fake news
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,535 posts
 
After several demo sessions,I found, ARC and Bryston to mate perfectly.
Consider moving up to a newer ARC pre-amp and you will be musically rewarded.
Happy Listening!
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