A high quality (and usually higher priced) pre will only enhance the listening experience. Most people who say no preamp speak on theory or have just never used a good enough pre to hear the difference themselves.
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?
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The theory is correct. Any preamp will add frequency response anomalies and distortion. You may prefer that sound to the unmodified signal, but it is good to be honest (as most of the posters in this thread have been) about what is actually going on. Sometimes I enjoy the listening to different DSP settings in my Yamaha A/V receiver :-) |
phomchick Any preamp will add frequency response anomalies and distortionQuite so. But with the best preamps, those levels are far below the threshold of audibility. |
Although I've been rationally inclined towards simplifying a system as much as possible for the "purest" sound, personal experience has shown me that inserting a GOOD preamp between a source (w/volume control) and the amp often resulted in better sound. Since I listen to music instead of theory, measurements or specs, I keep the preamp in the system. |
- 82 posts total