2. amps-preamps
  3. 148665-78452

Need a preamp?

Hi all, 

I have an older Cary tube preamp and a Bob Latino ST70 with a built in attenuator driving a pair of Proac D30R. The combo seems to be a tad too warm so I tried using the amp without the preamp and it seems to sound better with a wider soundstage and more extended highs. I have a phono amp also so I can also listen to LPs and cds. Is there a reason I need a preamp other than the convenience of switching between the two?  Would a ss preamp or passive preamp add to the sound?  I presume any preamp would only degrade the quality and can't make it better than it is. 


jaferd
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,103 posts
 
Also, would either give worse sound than just switching the inputs manually and using the attenuator? Just for my own education, do passive preamp color the sound at all and what about cables? Are there any affordable, I mean in the 300 dollar range, used cables I should look for that do not add coloration?  
@jaferd  Passive controls easily color the sound if external to the amp. The most common complaint is loss of impact at anything less than full volume.  They are also more sensitive to cables. For these reasons and because you also have a control already in the amplifier, I suggested a simple switching box, which will sound better than any outboard passive you can get in your situation.
jaferd OP
44 posts
 
I was thinking of using the Schiit sys and leaving it on full volume and use the amp volume control. Would that function as a switch box or is a dedicated switch box better? If so, what's a good switch box?
fstein's avatar
fstein
199 posts
 
After a few months, the feel of the schiit controls does not inspire confidence
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
jaferd, I’d say for $49 and the option to return, the Sys is a no brainer. My comment regarding the quality of the volume control was meant after extensive use. Otherwise it’s well built and functions as it should.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,103 posts
 
@jaferd  For slightly more money you get better connectors and hand wiring:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Input-2-Output-Audio-Video-AV-RCA-Selector-Splitter-Switcher-Box-Adapter-...
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