2. amps-preamps
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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?

128x128brandonhifi
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,901 posts
 

In practice, long speaker cables often cause a loss of bass impact and intelligibility of vocals. This is easily measured and demonstrated.

I agree with the above statement!

My speaker cables are < 1 foot.

 

scm
314 posts
 

Tortuga Audio....Try one

mofojo
2,306 posts
 

Tried no preamp for a while. Really liked it for a minute. Bass was good, treble was pretty good. When things got fast it was all together with no definition. I spent about a month on it then moved back. Like it was running out of gas.

spitzfish
7 posts
 

I used to avoid a preamp for a long time. A friend told me to try his parasound pld/2000 and I could not believe, how much more detail and body it gave to the music. Now I replaced the parasound with a Hegel Pre and I cannot believe it can be any better. Give it a try and you will hear the positive abilities of a preamp.

seanheis1
630 posts
 

What power amps were you using? 

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