I agree that phonostages are here to stay. But it seems to me that digital sources with volume control, and various types of all-in-one products (including integrated amps) could marginalize the role of the preamp. The loss of transparency introduced by the preamp needs to be counterbalanced by other sonic benefits. Otherwise, the preamp is little more than a fancy switchbox.
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The loss of transparency introduced by the preamp needs to be counterbalanced by other sonic benefits. Actually if the preamp is working right, most people experience an increase in transparency, not a loss. I have already mentioned one reason why; an additional one is that many digital controls don't work that well. So the digital device works better if run at full volume, run through an active line section and the preamp's volume control is used instead. |
Ralph (Atmasphere), thanks for the link and the comment about CAST. I see what you mean, and I agree. So I have no idea what the 18 volt figure mentioned by Audiolabyrinth would pertain to. That figure does not appear anywhere in the manual, btw, which includes a fairly comprehensive set of specs. Perhaps it was a miscommunication he had. I would expect that 18 volts into that amp would stand an excellent chance of destroying the speakers, the amp, and the eardrums of anyone nearby, if a fuse didn't blow first :-) Regards, -- Al |
One way or another, there has to be sufficient gain to go from line level, or phono cartridge level, to eventually be able to drive loudspeakers, such that any stages prior to the final power amp gain stage should be considered as preamp. So, in my logic, preamps will always be required as long as we are driving louspeakers. |
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