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Component Impact

I've been an "audiophile" for 20 years and my experience has taught me that speakers have the most impact on sound. Well that was my experience until one week ago. Over the years I've changed speakers, amps, source, and cables...sometimes I could hear differences and sometimes I couldn't. I recently decided to upgrade my Densen B-250 preamp to the Densen B-250+. My ears still can't believe what I'm hearing...better separation,detail, soundstage. I'm totally shocked by the improvements. Has anyone else experienced significant improvements by changing/upgrading their preamp?
ricred1
edorr
714 posts
 
I have had some spectacular SQ improvements with better preamps in the past, culminating in the elimination of the preamp altogether as suggested by Steve.

Just for kicks I reinserted a preamp into my multi channel system recently. It took me all of 15 seconds to hear I was inserting an active circuit and some cables in the chain that subtracted from the quality of the signal, and the device was back on audiogon where I bought it.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Has anyone else experienced significant improvements by changing/upgrading their preamp?
Ricred1
01-14-13

Absolutely, in fact I've found that it is harder for me to find a preamp that I can live happily with than it is to find speakers that I can live happily with.
IMHO, the preamp is THE most difficult component to choose.
ricred1 OP
2,061 posts
 
Steve N.,

I would love to eliminate my preamp. What DAC with volume control do you recommend?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,494 posts
 
Sure.....the system operates at the ability of the weakest link in the chain
chayro
3,015 posts
 
In one of my older systems, I was sure I needed to change the amplifier until my dealer, who sold both, proved to me that the sound I was looking for was actually achieved by upgrading the preamp. The system had more solidity, tonal accuracy and more pitch-accurate bass. All the things I previously believed were attributable to the amp were accomplished by the preamp. Quite an eye-opener.
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