2. amps-preamps
  3. 148088-124749

Is Pre-Amp needed

Is a preamp needed.  I run my oppo 205 direct to an MC275-6 for two channel audio and it sounds good, but am wondering how much better a pre-amp would make it sound. A pre-amp seems necessary for multiple sources, but not for just one source.  Would it just be an extra link in the chain or would it greatly improve the sound? 
lilchris9
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
All volume controls add a sound . Its up to your ears as to what sounds good . Me , I have a Oppo 105 for my bluray and cable tv audio and video . I prefer a volume pot with the 105 , The 105 volume set to 100 % . 
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@sthlm78 
 
Based on my limited experience, preamp is most important part after your speakers. 
 
I’d go: 
 
1) Speakers  
2) Placement/positioning 
3) Room treatment 
4) Power amp 
5) Pre-Amp / DAC
mrdecibel
3,162 posts
 
I believe the difference between those who like preamplification, vs. those who like passive, is as wide as analog vs digital, or tubes vs. ss. I have made my decision after owning some top tier preamps. My dacs drive my amplifiers beautifully, through passive units, and I simply hear more, of the recordings, then with top tier preamps in the systems. Not much more to talk about. 
lukaske
307 posts
 
A preamp are the “lungs”, the poweramp :”the heart”. Just like that. A good préamp,gives a beautiful signal to the poweramp. It means, it is very important. In a integrated amplifier is off course,the preamp very important.. the big advantage is:much less cabling. You cann't match like you want, because it’s from the same brand.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,259 posts
 

As Ralph Karsten (atmasphere) has numerous times said here, a preamp-less system can work well IF the source component is up to the task of driving the power amp directly. If the source is NOT up to that task, the system may actually sound better with a pre-amp, as imperfect as it may be, inserted between source and power amp.

What are the requirements for a source component to be up to the task of driving a given power amp? Ralph has more than once listed them; hopefully a search of the Forum will bring up the related threads.

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