2. amps-preamps
  3. 187886-136680

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
gdaddy1 OP
130 posts
 

@lanx0003 

The closest reference I could find to Paul's narrative on this subject is a post he made six years ago. Essentially, his comments align with what has been underscored below, in contrast to what you have cited. Could you please provide the source?

Here you go. This video is from from 4 years ago. I did cite that Paul said the preamp should be of a certain quality level. Specifically BHK series quality. But don't use a lesser quality or "you won't be happy"

 

lanx0003
832 posts
 

Paul did not explicitly state that it had to be the ’BHK’; instead, he suggested a preamp of a certain quality, akin to the BHK with which he had experience. His remarks from that time align with our own findings and validations with our equipment.

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,621 posts
 

...and yet, one can take the stance that the least amount of 'inference' (as opposed to 'interference') between source and ears is preferable....🙄

"This is likely one of the ways 'tail-eating universes' are formed...."

I'm so tired of irresistible forces v. immovable objects.....*mock sigh*

Different means to the same ends.....

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,621 posts
 

Tired, Yes.

Swayed? 

No.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,132 posts
 

I don't have experience with uber expensive active preamps. But I have owned a few up to the 6K price range and a good quality passive pre has beaten all comers so far.

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