2. analog
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What is more important source or preamp?

Oh boy here we go again, but I am just shocked how important the preamp is from my latest experience, but isn't the source more important since without a good signal doesn't matter how good the preamp is.
I know both are important, but would like to hear audiogoner stories about big improvements from making new purchases.
I would rather hear experiences than hunches or theories.
pedrillo
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
a great source with a mediocre pre will often sound no better than an average source with the same preamp. you will be scratching your head as to why you spent so much on the source (cd player, tt or other)
hifitime
715 posts
 
Awesome Analog!!!
hifitime
715 posts
 
I just viewed your pic's.
chashmal
605 posts
 
Not the speakers, I can attest to that!
newbee
4,768 posts
 
You asked for real story. OK, here is mine.

I had a quality SS system based on vinyl in the early 80's. Excellent turntables (2). I thought this was pretty good. Source to speakers. Unfortunately vinyl was becoming a real PITA. Record quality was terrible and new vinyl was being recorded in 'digital'. Then came the CD 'forever'. I bought an early Sony and a few CD's - it was terrible! Then I bought a CAL Aria (tubed) CDP. OK this is better but not really great. Then I got flush and I bought an ARC SP10II - suddenly CD became more enjoyable and I bought more CD's. But I also played some records and I was appalled by all that I was missing with my previous phono-preamp.

The SP10II became a gatekeeper for me for the next 20+years. IMHO, sources come and go, formats come and go, but a wisely chosen pre-amp will last a long time and take you thru many changes of sources as well as amps and speakers.
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