With Or Without A Preamp...

[thesaint519]

Hello AA comrades,

I need to solicit help from the collective intelligence about this matter. I'm currently running a dCS stack (Purcell/Delius) front end, which pull double duty as my preamp. They are feeding my Lamm M1.2s directly. The sound is hypnotic & quite satisfying - due, in no small part, to the addition of Transparent Reference cabling all around. I know there are two schools of thought on the matter. However, I'd like to hear from any who have had real world experience with running direct (without a preamp), and running with a preamp in the signal chain. Thoughts ?

[chessman]

I like a preamp in the chain, but if your sound is "hypnotic & quite satisfying" I would invoke the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it rule."

[thesaint519]

Originally Posted by chessman

I like a preamp in the chain, but if your sound is "hypnotic & quite satisfying" I would invoke the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it rule."

Why do u like a preamp on the chain? In this hobby of ours good is usually never good enough, is it?

[chessman]

Originally Posted by thesaint519

Why do u like a preamp on the chain? In this hobby of ours good is usually never good enough, is it?

I can't seem to find "good enough."

For me the preamp offered several things, as follows:

1) I like the concept of the preamp as "control amp," getting a very tight grip on very slight voltages. My listening experience with mine in my room was that the sound stage was wider, airier, and more detailed.

2) I wanted to bring the sound of my speakers one tick off of neutral towards warm. I did not want the sound syrupy sweet, but I did want it lusher. When I added the tube preamp, I achieved the "delicious" sound that Alberto speaks of - detailed, emotionally involving, resolving, but not fatiguing.

3) I wanted the additional connectivity. I run a CD player, a turntable, a iPhone dock, and a surround sound processor through the various ports in the preamp.

I am a huge believer in system synergy, which means that my solution may not be right for your setup, or even mine if I made gear changes. I thought a lot and researched a lot to try to acquire a "system" that integrated well. I had assumed that BAT had voiced the preamp and amp as a pair for a reason, went for it, and was very happy with the result.

Hope that helps. I have no cure for upgradeitis, although I, too, am a long time sufferer.

[thesaint519]

Originally Posted by chessman

I can't seem to find "good enough."

For me the preamp offered several things, as follows:

1) I like the concept of the preamp as "control amp," getting a very tight grip on very slight voltages. My listening experience with mine in my room was that the sound stage was wider, airier, and more detailed.

2) I wanted to bring the sound of my speakers one tick off of neutral towards warm. I did not want the sound syrupy sweet, but I did want it lusher. When I added the tube preamp, I achieved the "delicious" sound that Alberto speaks of - detailed, emotionally involving, resolving, but not fatiguing.

3) I wanted the additional connectivity. I run a CD player, a turntable, a iPhone dock, and a surround sound processor through the various ports in the preamp.

I am a huge believer in system synergy, which means that my solution may not be right for your setup, or even mine if I made gear changes. I thought a lot and researched a lot to try to acquire a "system" that integrated well. I had assumed that BAT had voiced the preamp and amp as a pair for a reason, went for it, and was very happy with the result.

Hope that helps. I have no cure for upgradeitis, although I, too, am a long time sufferer.

That perpetual disease upgradeitis is hard to remedy. The only known cures are satisfaction and bankruptcy . I strongly believe that I'm on the road to satisfaction. There are only a few things remaining on the wish list. The Lamm L2 preamp is high on the short list. The rest of the system is staying for the long haul. At some point I'll upgrade the digital front end, and upgrade the Transparent Ref cabling to XL MM2, but by and large everything else are lifers. Unless, of course, the Sashas are updated. I, too, have read and researched enough to be persuaded to add a preamp, but was looking for input from the collective. I just want the absolute most/best from my equipment.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by chessman

I like a preamp in the chain, but if your sound is "hypnotic & quite satisfying" I would invoke the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it rule."

Very well said Randy !

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[joeinid]

I've always preferred a preamp in the chain. I hear more detail w/o a preamp, but to me, it's less musical and more analytical.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I've always preferred a preamp in the chain. I hear more detail w/o a preamp, but to me, it's less musical and more analytical.

The C1000P gives the same amount of details than the MDA 1000 variable outputs, but with much more musicality and naturalness.

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[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

The C1000P gives the same amount of details than the MDA 1000 variable outputs, but with much more musicality and naturalness.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

Originally Posted by Still-One

If you go back there are several threads on this topic. A lot of us have tried it both ways and the general (but not unanimous) consensus is that a pre in the loop provides greater flexibility, allows you to better control the volume in smaller increments, and allows you to hear deeper into the music. The downside some of us heard was you lose a bit of impact and dynamics. In addition there are those who like what tubes interject which you will not get going direct with too many CD players.

You want something conclusive and there is absolutely no consensus on anything in this hobby of ours. You need to try it on your system both ways to see which you prefer.

Jim

I want to emphasize these two comments!

I have lots of Digital Music. I also have begun collecting analog, mostly Vinyl. I also watch movies and TV. I also stream Music.

The pre-amp is the central point for conveniently managing all of my source components. Moreover, none of their output levels are the same, small quibble but I want the volume level on the pre-amp to be universal.

The pre-amp is your right hand man in listening to audio, you go to the pre-amp for everything. It's like your executive officer. The sources are like your lieutenants, you give them media to execute or really just "play"

If you can limit your self to source and amplification, have at it. I sure can't

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I've always preferred a preamp in the chain. I hear more detail w/o a preamp, but to me, it's less musical and more analytical.

Good question. I recently had to take such decision, asked my dealer for an opinion and got the answer as quoted above.