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Preamplifier power supply

Hi folks, should a preamplifier have a BIG (that is: an overkill power supply) to sound dynamic and authoritative? I'm asking this because some experts would say "yes" while others would say "no". Recently a well known audio journalist (Anthony Cordesmann?) said that the preamplifier doesn't have to have a big power supply because it doesn't have to deliver lots of energy (in the form of current). A preamplifier can sound "dynamic" even with very modest power supply --> for example the built in preamplifier in the Benchmark DAC. But some manufacturers rely on a truly overkill power supply in their reference preamplifiers: MBL, First Sound Audio, BAT, VTL, LAMM, Mark Levinson. So who is right?

Chris
dazzdax
johnss
569 posts
 
Chris, that is a question many have asked. A larger transformer and power supply has helped every pre amp I have ever tried it on from the Japanese mfgrs all the way up to the high end gear from Jeff Rowland, Threshold and Mark Levinson. A nice 600 watt toroidal transformer will cost 80-120 dollars plus an outboard case to hold it, since almost no manufacturers use a power supply of that size.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
There is some talk about this subject on the PSAudio site that's fairly amusing.

Shadorne: My preconceptions were the same as yours. Techies have a hard time with that one.
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Ngjockey, could you tell the link to the PSAudio discussion?
John, still some do not concur with this preconception. I would like to know why this dichotomy exists. It reminds me of the tube vs solid state discussion.

Chris
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shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
After 30+ years of listening I now feel that the size of a preamp power supply has no more to do with the sound of the music than the size of the woofer in a speaker.

This might be music to your ears but it is probably even more music to a manufacturer's ears.

Are you really suggesting (as a generalization) that a manufacturer can now use a small cheaper power supply and a small cheaper woofer with small cheaper motor and small cheaper voice coil (often no bigger than a tweeter): And in general it sounds better or just as good (in general no benefit from using better parts)?

I agree there is such as thing as diminishing returns and many reasonably sized but well designed power supplies are adequate for the job but please....this is audiophile heresey! LOL - Just Kidding ;-)
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