Shortest signal path (not the same as least complex) is best and most efficient route to high-end sound imo. For digital sources, the future will see a well-designed preamp function with precise volume control built into primary components such as streaming DAC and amplification components as standard. We are already seeing speakers with streaming DAC, and seeing integrated amplification all with ‘everything inside’, although i would contend that such an approach as far as within the speaker enclosures is not best because of isolation from soundwaves / vibration.
How important is the pre-amp?
Hello all,
Genuine request here for other's experiences.
I get how power amps can make really significant changes to the sound of a system. And of course speakers have an even bigger effect. And then there is the complicated relationship between the speaker and power amp. But I wonder about pre-amps.
In theory a well designed preamp should just act as a source switch and volume control. But does it add (or ruin) magic? Can a pre-amp color the sound? Alter pace and timing? Could you take a great sounding system and spoil it with the wrong preamp? Stereophile once gushed (while reviewing a preamp that cost as much as a car) that the preamp was the heart of the system, setting the tone of everything. Really? Some people don't even bother with a preamp, feeding their DACs straight into the power amp. Others favor passive devices, things without power. If one can get a perfectly good $2K preamp, why bother with 20K?
What your experiences been?
Genuine request here for other's experiences.
I get how power amps can make really significant changes to the sound of a system. And of course speakers have an even bigger effect. And then there is the complicated relationship between the speaker and power amp. But I wonder about pre-amps.
In theory a well designed preamp should just act as a source switch and volume control. But does it add (or ruin) magic? Can a pre-amp color the sound? Alter pace and timing? Could you take a great sounding system and spoil it with the wrong preamp? Stereophile once gushed (while reviewing a preamp that cost as much as a car) that the preamp was the heart of the system, setting the tone of everything. Really? Some people don't even bother with a preamp, feeding their DACs straight into the power amp. Others favor passive devices, things without power. If one can get a perfectly good $2K preamp, why bother with 20K?
What your experiences been?
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- 130 posts total
- 130 posts total