2. amps-preamps
  3. 1151261716

Do I even need or want a preamp?

For over 5 years my home audio system had been stable. I used a Wadia 6 direct into a Jeff Rowland Model 1 with Synergistic Research balanced interconnects, out to a pair of Aerial 10Ts (Synergistic Research cables). I knew that the speakers could use more power than the Roland could give, and that the Wadia 6 was now pretty outdated. I recently replaced the Wadia and the Rowland with an Accuphase DP-57 CD player and a used Levinson 336 amp, plus replaced the interconnects with a pair of Tara Labs Air2. The end result was that the Aerials came alive and I am hearing MUCH more detail without harshness.

I brought home a BAT preamp to try out and have to say that whatever differences (other than volume capability) seemed quite subtle. The bass might have been a bit tighter, but it seemed like some of the ambient information was lost. Considering the $6500 list price of the preamp, I am trying to figure out if a preamp is even helpful for my system. The Accuphase has its own internal volume control. Never having owned a preamp before, I don't know what I was expecting, but improvement in the sound did not seem to be present with the preamp. I am now leaning towards not adding a preamp to the system, but want to know if I'm simply uninformed about any benefits that one might do for my current system.

Thanks in advance for helping me learn!
brian_scherzer
tubeears
136 posts
 
Yea, I agree with Electroid. Since you are not really adding another source, nor do you need to alter the signal, you may be better off just where you are (w/o a pre-amp... passive or not). I think that you may have found your "magic", or perhaps the need to visit a small audio salon in Mugwart. Talk to Dynacovia, the Gypsy lady (with the one softly glowing green eye).

Tubby.
brian_scherzer OP
6 posts
 
My thanks to everyone who responded.....truly! I was doubting myself, since many people seem to feel that a preamp is necessary. I borrowed a BAT "top of the line" tube preamp Monday and again found that it did not sound better to my ears than not using a preamp. Some of the detail is missing, and the sound is now a bit TOO dark for my tastes. I will simply trust my ears and stop looking at preamps for my system. Whether "right" or "wrong", I am very happy with what I am hearing, which is what counts! Thanks again!
phd
1,328 posts
 
No, just get yourself two cans and a string. Seriously, a quality preamp can add, rather than subtract. Besides it is nice to have the ability to switch between components.
jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 
I have tried all sorts of passive preamps.The good ones often will sound better than most active ones.But this does not mean that passives are better than actives.It just means that most actives are poor.

This is probably the most neglected area in audio.

When you find an active that synergises with your power amp and system then you will realise straight away that no passive is going to be as good.

My advice is to keep trying active preamps until you find the right one[for you].You might want to consider valve ones too.
denf
241 posts
 
This is an interesting thread for me as I was a die-hard "no preamp" guy for about the last 10 years or so. I almost always bought CDP's that either had a variable out, or ones that had lots of gain/voltage. Well, recently on the persuasive suggestion of an audio friend, I decided to audition a BAT VK-3ix, as my current system seemed to lack the critical dynamics that make music reproduction more life-like. Much to my pleasant surprise, not only were the dynamic shadings (both macro & micro) improved, but all other parameters - soundstage depth, height, noise floor and of course bass control were better. All of this with no detectable loss of any fine details that I thought would be the trade-off. (These were all more than just subtle improvements btw). So I guess it show you that it IS better to try something before assuming the results! as they will "vary with mileage.." (My current setup btw is the incredible Esoteric UX-3SE, NuForce 9SE, M.L. Summits in a dedicated room). I also heard the same wholesale improvments with my Opera Audio Droplet CDP.
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