2. amps-preamps
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Eliminated my preamp with amazing results

I pulled my preamp out completely. The result's were not subtle. 

For those who stream music only... I was going from my laptop... to my DAC...to my preamp...to my amp. My preamps ONLY function was volume control. Source control not needed.

I started using Audirvana recently which comes with it's own high quality 64 bit volume control that was far better than the potentiometer in my preamp. It dawned on me that I could control volume using Audirvana and plug my DAC directly into the amp and bypass the preamp altogether. (Roon and Jriver also have excellent volume controllers) Note: Audirvana has an app download on a tablet/phone so it acts like a remote control. I'm loving it!

This not only eliminated the preamps volume control but it took out ALL the electronics associated in a preamp including some cables. A FAR more direct route. However, you must use caution and make sure the volume is controlled properly in the software since the amp will be fed wide open volume.

Having experimented with 'passive' preamps in the past (McCormack TLC-1) I thought the sound would possibly lose dynamics and bass response would suffer. WRONG!

The results were...Shocking!! Immediately the extended depth of the image was noticeably deeper. Background darker. The highs are the best I've ever heard. Pristine. The bass was dynamic, tight and most of all 'textured' in a way I never heard before. As I stated earlier the results are NOT subtle! 

This is an experiment that took a few minutes to set up and yielded the best performance improvement of ANY other tweak I've ever tried. Not anything like using a passive preamp.

Equipment used...  Peachtree DAC-itx. 

                               Preamps...McCormack TLC-1 and Melos tube preamp.

                               Amp is McCormack DNA 0.5

Understand that different components will have different interactions with each other. Your results may vary. However, IF you don't like it, it takes just a few minutes to put the preamp back in the system. Nothing to lose and lot's to gain. After hearing this, I will NEVER go back to using a preamp. 

Good luck!

 

 

gdaddy1
erik_squires
16,100 posts
 

I'm always amused when members ask if they should/should not pull out a preamp because the answer is always a personal one.

It's been a very long time since I've seen an impedance mismatch so large a DAC with a volume control could not directly drive an amplifier.  Everything else is preference.

hchilcoat
154 posts
 

I had a Lampizator Big 7 DAC with a volume control. I ran directly into the KR Audio Kronzilla amp and it sounded very clean and dynamic leading me to believe I could ditch my preamp, which I found advantageous since my preamp did not have a remote volume control . But it eventually became clear to me that the TRL Dude preamp (sorry I sold that later!) added much more life to the music and it was soon back in my system. 

scm
314 posts
 

I really REALLY like my Tortuga Audio LDR attenuator for much the same reasons.

It`s crystal clear, has nice sound staging etc etc... Runs off the grid with a battery

which brought a blacker background to the mix.

Overlooked way too often !

 

 

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,500 posts
 

Oh yes the Dude preamp! I miss mine also. I had a fully tricked out one that Paul helped me to upgrade. 

toro3's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
toro3
334 posts
 

@blisshifi 

I have experimented with this countless times, and I have found only a few DACs under $15K with a built-in preamp stage or volume control that sound better without a quality preamp in the chain.

If my memory is correct you’ve mentioned that the T+A DAC 200 preamp section is pretty good. What other DACs volume control or preamp section impressed you?

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