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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
elevick
2,638 posts
 
According to the founder of Linn, no matter what you do with your system, if your cartridge stinks, nothing else matters...
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Ivor Tiefenbrun (Linn's chief) says that the TURNTABLE is key, not the cartridge.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I've always bought the best pre-amp I could afford first so I could evaluate any upgrades, when it finally gets exposed as the "weak link" I upgrade it and start over again. While working on improving the source/sources it's helpful to have a familiar constant.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I agree with Ivor-source is most important. Take the extreme: $10k speakers with $50 source. The speakers will sound like crap b/c of crap source. $10k source with $50 speakers. At least your speakers will sound the best they are capable of sounding.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Preamp
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