If you have a strong enough signal to drive a power amp, why add more electronics? You need some way to switch sources and a volume control. Active electronics are not necessary, and, as you have discovered, can only make things worse! Good for you! My testing, evaluating, and office/lab/workroom system has no pre-amp. Don't spend money on what you don't need!
The Best Preamp is no Preamp?
So recently I've discovered the possibility of completely removing my preamp from my rig. I've never heard or considered this before, so much audio tradition... But in going directly from DAC to amplifier the sound quality is absolutely incredible, instantly had me grinning. Using music server to Chord M Scaler to Chord Qutest (cut out Marantz SR5015) to go directly to dual Emotiva XPA-DR1 monoblocks, to GR Research's 24 strand speaker wire to Magnepan 1.7i's. Only difference is running volume on server vs Marantz remote, sound quality is the biggest jump I've ever heard with any gear.
Have you guys had experience cutting out the preamp from your rig? What's your thoughts?
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@ozzy62 I agree a passive can be preferable to dac only setup. My active pre is in fact dual TVC. |
With respect to integrated amps, there are some that will put expensive two box solutions to shame. With separates I really believe some gear plays nice with each other and some doesn’t….synergy…. I have have people call BS on this but I believe it’s true. With an integrated there is less cable, less connections, less to fail hopefully. So with a good integrated the control and amplifier sections complement each other and are well sorted out. I have nothing against integrated amps …. Some awesome ones out there |
- 116 posts total