2. amps-preamps
  3. 170019-151696

Are Pre-Amps necessary?

With all the advances in digital sources, do we still need a $5,000 pre-amp?

All we need is a switching device and maybe a Phono preamp/RIAA curve device.

Tone controls are another thing of the past. Room correction has taken over if that is something you want to use.

Thoughts?
vanson1
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/how-important-is-the-pre-amp
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Preamps can look real cool - like my Audio Research SP6! However a passive pot works just as well since most all DACs output 2 volts - enough to drive most all amps into clipping (1 volt needed).
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Good question OP. I have been wondering this myself for the longest time. Soon now thanks to you we will know. Already learned, 1v to clipping. Who knew!?!? This is off to such a great start, one can only imagine the many fascinating new things to come!
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
You already answered your own question. The rest are just someone else's opinions. 
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