I rework retro for a living, most of todays preamps have 3 or 4 op amps usually nec5532's, popping a brown may help.Now real preamps should have a pcb full of top end analog components..not a single caterpillar (ic) as an old valve mate from the uk explained to me..
What will a preamp do for me?
Missing in the chain below is a preamp - I use the DAC to control volume. This is my only source and will be for some time. What could I gain by adding a preamp?
I have Thiel CS 2.3s driven by a BAT VK-55, sourced by PS Audio PW DAC, with bridge II, mostly tidal. The DAC serves as a preamp in terms of volume control. Mostly Audioquest cables, amp power cord is Cardas Clear m, all fed by PS Audio upc-200.
I am am hoping to improve the highs, which sometimes sound smeared, too much sibilance; would like more air and clarity. Loud rock sounds flatter, less dynamic than I’d like. I am not willing to give up the deep detailed and beautifully resonant mids. Willing to spend up to $3000, used is ok. Totally balanced is a must. Not currently willing to entertain the idea of different speakers - my goal is to make the 2.3s sound as good as reasonably possible before moving on to other speakers. It’s easy to find a really good preamp in this price range, so much so I am almost paralyzed by the choices. Aesthetix , Ayre, ARC, several BAT, Parasound and more all have apparently excellent models in my price range. Patience would put Atma-sphere and PS Audio within reach. Which is best for my situation? There’s no way to audition all of these, how could I avoid getting on a preamp merry-go-round? Or should I spend my money elsewhere?
I have Thiel CS 2.3s driven by a BAT VK-55, sourced by PS Audio PW DAC, with bridge II, mostly tidal. The DAC serves as a preamp in terms of volume control. Mostly Audioquest cables, amp power cord is Cardas Clear m, all fed by PS Audio upc-200.
I am am hoping to improve the highs, which sometimes sound smeared, too much sibilance; would like more air and clarity. Loud rock sounds flatter, less dynamic than I’d like. I am not willing to give up the deep detailed and beautifully resonant mids. Willing to spend up to $3000, used is ok. Totally balanced is a must. Not currently willing to entertain the idea of different speakers - my goal is to make the 2.3s sound as good as reasonably possible before moving on to other speakers. It’s easy to find a really good preamp in this price range, so much so I am almost paralyzed by the choices. Aesthetix , Ayre, ARC, several BAT, Parasound and more all have apparently excellent models in my price range. Patience would put Atma-sphere and PS Audio within reach. Which is best for my situation? There’s no way to audition all of these, how could I avoid getting on a preamp merry-go-round? Or should I spend my money elsewhere?
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- 68 posts total
- 68 posts total