2. amps-preamps
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How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

Hello all.
I'm using an Audible Illusions L1 preamp and I think my system sounds better when I remove it from the signal path. Oppo BD105 directly to SMC Audio DNA1 Gold power amp. I have read that there is level of quality you need to hit before there will be an improvement in sound. I can't seem to find what that level is. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Ben
honashagen
mrdecibel
3,064 posts
 
To George and all. I have been listening to my Luminous Audio Axiom II with Walker mod, single ended 3 in 2 out, with remote, for a week now, and I have to say, I am connecting with the musicians, as well as the mixing and mastering engineers who have worked on the recordings, like never before. A veil has been lifted, the colorations are gone, and nothing is missing from using my 2 expensive preamps ( will not mention what they are ). I am feeling lucky ( punk ), that the synergy is working for me, and quite happy I made the move. The background is dead quiet, as there is absolutely no noise, hiss, hum ( etc. ) in my system. Thank you George for steering me in this direction, as I always thought an active preamp ( with gain ) was absolutely necessary( and I have been at this for 50 or so years ). Of course, experimenting with my pro amplifiers, with their built in volume attenuators, allowed me to hear this as well, but now I can use my favorite little amplifier, which I could not, successfully, use before. Cheers ! Enjoy ! MrD.
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I am feeling lucky ( punk ) ....
Lest anyone wonder, this is a humorous reference to a famous line spoken by Clint Eastwood in the 1970s film "Dirty Harry."

Congratulations, MrDecibel.  As you said, enjoy!

Regards,
-- Al 
mrdecibel
3,064 posts
 
Al, thank you, and I am glad someone caught the line. Enjoy ! MrD.
honashagen OP
137 posts
 
I just sent my Axiom back
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georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
mrdecibel
  A veil has been lifted, the colorations are gone, and nothing is missing from using my 2 expensive preamps
  Thank you George for steering me in this direction, as I always thought an active preamp ( with gain ) was absolutely necessary

No problems MrD, you've obviously got a good match if your hearing all that, now you've seen the light and just turning that passive up some more compared to the active. As Nelson Pass said:
"  Really - I’m being serious here!. Maybe they are reacting psychologically to the need to turn the volume control up compared to an active preamp."

Cheers George
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