How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

bestdiyguy1 posts

That’s well put for a first time poster, I like your rationale behind most of what you said. I hope you can last in the "sometimes" cesspit of "snake oil" threads that pop up here.
 As there is too much "snake oil voodoo" on these pages that real designers/techs won’t endorse or go near.

And you know if those "snake oil" claims were posted on a forum where the likes of Nelson Pass, John Curl ect, ect, ect hang out like diyAudio.com the poster would get a new one ripped within the hour, and disappear in shame like many have had to do that I’ve seen.


Cheers George

Sorry, I thought the others that mentioned it knew something I didn't. 

Cheers George

As you probably already know, there are so many variables that are factored into each sound system that trying to nail down one preamp for your use can only be determined by testing several in your own environment.  Sound is so dependent on amplification, speaker system selections and placement, room acoustics, etc.  I have always purchased equipment based on reviews.  I have had inexpensive preamps (under a grand) installed that sounded good and had others costing upward of several grand sound poor or not to my liking.  Go figure.  Part of the enjoyment in my eyes of always seeking that best sound.  Good luck with your search and when you find one, keep it and enjoy it for a life time.....