2. amps-preamps
  3. 1346098814

Preamps waste of money?

I've been forced to reevaluate the role of preamps. The best sound I have achieved is result of adding a stepped resistor volume control at the input stage inside of my tube amp. All other options I have tried or auditioned including both active and passive volume control(autoformer and LDRs)have "colored" the sound in one way or the other to an unacceptable degree compared the stepped attenuator at the input. Has anyone had similar experience?
dracule1
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Precisely charlsdad. I used to own a modded Threshold SA-30 class A amp. It did not have the thinness (still miss it), but it didnt have the harmonic richness of a good tube amp. I always feel I'm missing something with SS. Of course tube amplification has its problems too, but I rarely feel like I'm missing out on musical aspects that are important to me.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Not really a preamp is much better a very good tube unit.
prcinka
366 posts
 
going back to the original question.....you have to buy very good preamplifier (usually for $$$) to not to waste the money on it.....means really good preamplifiers are expensive but true....
guma15
45 posts
 
I have an active system and the other day I removed preamp out from the system. Pass Labs XVR1 electronic crossover has volume controls which are not really passive as they are buffered but newer the less the sound significantly improved. It is always good idea to check the sound of the system without preamp, never know.

Regards
realremo
460 posts
 
I like my Halo P3. I tried eliminating it, using Jplay's bitperfect volume control into a DL III, then into my amp. The sound became uber-detailed, but too bright for me. I have yet to try a Wyred For Sound DAC2, which would be my next move, so for now, the Halo stays. I think you can eliminate the pre with the right gear, but this is very system-dependent.
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