I would go with a preamp and source.....I had the SA-50 in my system for a brief period, and have had the Arcam as well. My opinion is that I prefer the Arcam. I wouldn't put too much emphasize on having balanced/XLR connections either unless your cable lengths are more than 50 feet. If you only have one source, then no preamp is an option, but I would listen to what a decent preamp does for your system before buying a cd player based on it having a volume control. Besides, you may decide that you want to add a turntable in the future.
Preamp or Not
System:
Speakers: B&W 802D
AMP: 2 Plinius SA100 MKIII used as mono
Preamp: Musical Fidelity need upgrade to BAT or Pass Labs?
Source: Arcam fmj CD37
I have bunch of other good equipment in my theater room. The above are my 2-channel audio only set up. I have been thinking of upgrading my pre and CDP because they have no XLR connections. They sound very good but I'd like to use the balance connections. I just found an Esoteric SA50 player which apparently can be connected to the amplifier directly, therefore, eliminating the need for a preamp.
Question:
Since I have a very high gain amp and some external distortion and noise issues, would I be better off with a preamp and a source or just go directly from source to the amps. If there are no setbacks with this kind of set up, I can eliminate one component and save some $ in the process.
I would love to hear from members with similar experience and/or familiar with Esoteric SA50.
Speakers: B&W 802D
AMP: 2 Plinius SA100 MKIII used as mono
Preamp: Musical Fidelity need upgrade to BAT or Pass Labs?
Source: Arcam fmj CD37
I have bunch of other good equipment in my theater room. The above are my 2-channel audio only set up. I have been thinking of upgrading my pre and CDP because they have no XLR connections. They sound very good but I'd like to use the balance connections. I just found an Esoteric SA50 player which apparently can be connected to the amplifier directly, therefore, eliminating the need for a preamp.
Question:
Since I have a very high gain amp and some external distortion and noise issues, would I be better off with a preamp and a source or just go directly from source to the amps. If there are no setbacks with this kind of set up, I can eliminate one component and save some $ in the process.
I would love to hear from members with similar experience and/or familiar with Esoteric SA50.
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- 17 posts total
- 17 posts total