I think the problem is with using the term “neutral” as if it’s a fixed and definitive thing when in reality it’s a moving target based on each individual listener. Unless you’ve made a recording yourself, let’s face it, there’s no way for any of us to define what neutral truly is. In that way it’s kind of a waste of time and a fool’s errand to even talk about neutrality because it’s like trying to catch a greased chicken. What I think sounds neutral might sound colored to you and vice versa, and neither of us would be wrong in the context of our own hearing and tastes. And the basic fact is that neither of us knows what the actual performance sounded like or what the final mixed version should sound like because we’re not the recording engineer. Personally, I’d rather focus on what sounds “natural” — natural meaning nothing sticks out and everything comes together and sounds balanced and effortless like real music and, most importantly, just sounds “right.” THAT, to me, is the best “neutral” we can achieve, and everyone needs to define that inherently indefinable neutrality for themselves. I think this is a big part of the art — and wonderful, awful struggle— of ultimately putting together a great-sounding system. But that’s just me.
What qualities stand out in really good solid state preamps?
Recently I posted on the Herron HL-1, asking people what they thought, how it compared, etc. It's been sold and that's ok. The search continues.
But it raises a question I'd like to ask folks:
What attributes do you look for in a good solid state preamp?
Some qualities — quietness, durability, seem pretty obvious.
But what other criteria do you use to differentiate between solid state preamps?
How can they differ and what matters to you?
Please let me know!
P.S. As I've looked around, I've begun to learn more about some of the legendary preamps — made by companies such as Threshold, Ayre, Bryston, Pass, Apt-Holman, and others. It's good to have these names as references, but it would be even more useful if I knew what these brands conveyed, sonically. I've played with the idea of getting a newer Schiit preamp and then I wonder -- what if there's a "classic" preamp out there, used? What would it deliver that was worth searching for?
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- 112 posts total
- 112 posts total