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?
An intelligent and rational observation. Yet don’t you realize a preamplifier no matter how accomplished is merely adding “noise and distortion”? 😊 Charles
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I’ve tried it both ways, two different times, and each time I decided to keep the preamp. I use a Cambridge 851N streamer/DAC feeding a Bel Canto PRE5 to Bel Canto ref500 monoblocks, driving Dali Mentor 6 floorstanders. With the preamp in the system, I believe I heard more of a difference when switching from Morrow MA5s to Kimber KS1116s, both XLR. Both sound excellent but I felt more of a difference between them with the preamp in the chain. What I am sure of is that the sound is better with the preamp in. specifically the opening notes of A Chloris: A Chloris, track one on A Concert at the Time of Proust. The period instruments (piano and violin) are just more real with the preamp in the chain. No contest. |
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There are basically 4 different kinds of preamps. 1. A pot in a box, it can be just a line level resistive rheostat or more favourably, stepped resistors. Totally passive, no mains power. 2. Line level preamp. No gain but a more sophisticated version of the above, using mains input for various functions. 3. Digital preamp, digital volume control. Volume is controlled by manipulating the digital signal in the digital domain. Degrades sound quality by stripping bits. 4. Active preamp. This preamp, whether solid state or tube will add space, resolution, soundstaging, imaging etc. to your system. Unfortunately they are quite expensive. Usually $15k and above. Only an active preamp is capable of synergising your system, everything else is a poor compromise. |
