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To preamp or not to preamp. That is the question.

I have recently set up a second system from some previously owned components which I though I would use for occasional listening as I have a better rig in a dedicated music room. Yet I find I'm listening to it more than expected and want to optimize it.

I use only a single source, a Bluesound Node 2i, feeding directly into a Forte 4a Class A power amp and some Totem Model one signatures speakers. No preamp! Controlling the volume with the BlueOS app, the system plays loud enough for my listening needs but I know the output of the Node is on the low side for the power amp. I'm not looking to upgrade the current speakers, amp or streamer. Other than having more gain, would adding an active preamp bring anything to the table other than more expense and additional "stuff" in the audio chain. What has been the experience of other members been who have gone this route?

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russ69's avatar
russ69
3,507 posts
 

You have heard this before; "The preamp is the heart of a system". You can argue that from many angles, but millions of audiophiles are not wrong. 

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mresseguie's avatar
mresseguie
45 posts
 

I've tried going without a preamp three times with different components. While the sound was 'okay/listenable' twice and unpleasant once, all three times the music quality (and my enjoyment) increased once I placed my tube pre back in the loop. Apparently, I enjoy jb52's 'noise and distortion' in my systems. 😁  That said, I know guys who don't use a preamp, and they're perfectly happy with their sound. 

soix
9,456 posts
 

I’d be hard pressed to think a good preamp wouldn’t make a major improvement over using the Node as a pre. If you were using a Bricasti and its volume control I might have a different opinion, but using the Node as a pre? No, just no. The Node 2i is a streamer, DAC, and preamp for $600 — using common sense, how much do you think they spent on the preamp components?  The preamp is too important to the overall sound quality of a system. FWIW, and best of luck.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,507 posts
 

Any time a component can be eliminated from the chain the result is better sound!

Not if the output of the device is a mismatch. Bluesound Node 2i is designed to plug into a preamp, a preamp is designed to plug into an amplifier. The signals a preamp is looking for is different than what an amp is looking for. Can it work without a preamp? Often it can, but in most cases it is a better signal match if plugged into a preamp/processor. 

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