2. amps-preamps
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New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)

Looking for help...

I got a new preamplifier to replace my integrated amplifier, but the sound is extremely underwhelming. Biggest issues are sound distinction and clarity (sounds dull) and field depth (sounds narrow/flat) with less depth and width regarding the sound field when listening to stored digital music.

Old set up:
Innuos Zenith -> (USB) Gustard X26 Pro -> (XLR) Cambridge Azur 851a -> (RCA) Cambridge Azur 851w -> KEF LS50 Meta's and Kube 12b subwoofer.

New set up:
Innuos Zenith -> (USB) Gustard X26 Pro -> (XLR) Rotel 1590MKii Preamp -> (XLR) Cambridge Azur 851w -> KEF LS50 Meta's and Kube 12b subwoofer.

I'm really surprised this new preamplifier was such a drop off in sound quality compared to my older, cheaper integrated amp, but wondering if there are any tests I could do to maybe change something to better figure out if its the preamp, or rather something I'm doing. Looking at all the extra digital inputs in the Rotel that my 851a doesn't have makes me think that maybe the 851a is just a more adept component at passing along my DAC's signal, where the Rotel is geared towards using it's internal DAC.

The Rotel is run in a "Tone Bypass" mode via the XLR connections to bypass the internal DAC.

Just wondering why the Rotel would choke off the sound so much while the older integrated amp make things sound so deep and bright when paired with the power amp?

A friend suggested running my DAC straight to my power amp and see if the sound was back to old (or at least better).

Any other suggestions I should try before I send the preamplifier back?
128x128ja_kub_sz
erik_squires
16,363 posts
 
I'm not a big believer in cables, except in making things sound worse.

If you got new fancy cables consider swapping those out.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,202 posts
 
The rotes is not good at all , for your money send it back 
buy the $899 Schiit vacuum tube preamp with excellent resistive 
volume attenuator , not cheap $15 Alps volume pot thst many use 
and Rob detail , the Schiit preamp is very dependable 
and tubes add to soundstage image depth man6 very good write ups , cables are what ? Very important 
Wireworld makes excellen5 quality, value quality per $$dollar 
cables ,and for th3 record if running Ethernet most important 
Sonic difference is from Ethernet switch to streamer , wire world
star light exceptional performance value ,Ethernet cable.and I have tried a bunch .I am putting the platinum 8 in this space soon though but a bit $$  with 20% off not too bad , : and Ethernet regen from uptone audio , no 🧠 er  many excellent reviews for $640 👍
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,528 posts
 
"...So you're not a believer in the "there's no preamp like no preamp" saying?..."

The real saying is: The preamp is the heart of a system. But it's got to be a good preamp. 
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,420 posts
 
If ALMARG was around, he wold have checked the impedance for the amp and pre-amp and would have come up with a recommendation. I think that would most likely be the reason. Try to look up those numbers and see if that is what the issue is.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
NEVER pay attention to burn/break in when assessing gear. It's how horrible long term decisions are made. NEVER give inordinate time to a loser component.  

Once you have tried your permutations,  you're done. I'm not surprised at all if the Rotel is much worse holistically. 

Read my two Audiophile Law articles at Dagogo.com re. Burm In (also re: break in)

I  reviewed the Azur 840 pre and amp for Dagogo.com 
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