To Preamplify or not to Preamplify...that is the question.

[Allan W.]

I prefer the coloration of a pre-amp and it's functionality. Each device in my system adds something to the flavor.

[bzr]

Originally Posted by Allan W.

I prefer the coloration of a pre-amp and it's functionality. Each device in my system adds something to the flavor.

Same here but it took me a long time to find that pre-amp

[Allan W.]

Originally Posted by bzr

Same here but it took me a long time to find that pre-amp

Yes, It took a lot of pre amps to find the right combination. One of the stand outs was the Adcom GFP 750. At the time all the reviewers described it as being very benign, adding very little coloration to music. It had a passive/active switch. At that time I was in my less is better mode but I also needed the functionality for up stream devices. It's on my regret list of sold devices.

[Supercronopio]

I recently purchased an Apogee Duet AD/DA that can be used with iOS and OSX. Right now I have it controlling the 501s directly with the C500 out of the chain. It sounds very good, although I do tweak the signal with the FabFilter Pro-Q equalizer. This obviously isn't he setup for everyone, but as I increasingly play computer sources for video and audio, I'm not sure the preamp is worth the investment.

Oh, and compared to the sound of the Ayre QB-9, no, it's not as good. It does seem to enhance some instruments over others which is pretty exciting, but again, with the digital EQ I can make adjustments as necessary which is kind of fun.

If I do eliminate the C500, I will probably look at the Resonessence or Bricasti.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Gaucho1

I recently purchased an Apogee Duet AD/DA that can be used with iOS and OSX. Right now I have it controlling the 501s directly with the C500 out of the chain. It sounds very good, although I do tweak the signal with the FabFilter Pro-Q equalizer. This obviously isn't he setup for everyone, but as I increasingly play computer sources for video and audio, I'm not sure the preamp is worth the investment.

Oh, and compared to the sound of the Ayre QB-9, no, it's not as good. It does seem to enhance some instruments over others which is pretty exciting, but again, with the digital EQ I can make adjustments as necessary which is kind of fun.

If I do eliminate the C500, I will probably look at the Resonessence or Bricasti.

Thanks for sharing. That is pretty impressive seeing a $12,000 Mcpreamp sitting on the bench!!!

[Supercronopio]

Don't get me wrong, the Apogee doesn't replace the Ayre/C500 very well. But, with two $1000 Power Cables and a $1000 interconnect, I have $18k in the combo. The question I am asking myself is should my next component upgrade replace the C500 and back a DAC with volume control. I am beginning to think it will.

[ronenash]

Originally Posted by Allan W.

I prefer the coloration of a pre-amp and it's functionality. Each device in my system adds something to the flavor.

Coloration or not I much prefer running the DAC through the ACT2 than direct to the power amplifiers. With the ACT2 in the chain I get that huge and expansive cj soundstage and holographic imaging that I could not get with any DAC I tried going direct into my power amps.

[Cellindo]

With high level sources such as CD player or DAc ouputs (usually 2 volts = 0dB) the role of a preamp is twofold:
1) reduce the source level to an acceptable level for the amplifier (otherwise it would just be too loud!)
2) adapt impedance between the source and the amp

It's not an easy task to find an excellent preamp with not too much voltage gain and transparent enough, or even beneficial, when added in the chain. Even more so when you want to buy a fully balanced preamp. The few ones I know enough to recommend are the Ayre KX-R and ARC Ref 5 (5 SE).
Unbalanced preamp such as Shindo products also bring some magic but their preamp cain level is quite high (too high IMHO).

Going "preampless" is one seducing option, of course. I've experienced that route and still working on it. I can tell you one thing for sure: with NO preamp you need to be ready to experiment a lot on the interconnects and power cords. The transparency is maximized without a preamp and every little details count. Usually you will end-up spending quite a lot of money upgrading your cables in order to find the best 'balance' when the preamp is out of the signal path. This is tricky and needs to be known. However, when done properly, the musical rewards can be very satisfying.
Patience, trials and errors, $$$ for the cables is the full equation in case of no preamp. Not as simple as most audiophiles would imagine... Trust me on this !

[audiot servant]

Great post... thanks Cellindo.

That makes so much sense. The power and physical isolation must become so critical when there is just the dac and the amp. Great observation.

I have been listening to CH Precision a few times lately and am thinking that this is maybe a Dac at last I can go amp direct on... Will hopefully see sometime soon.

Graham

[schneice]

Was running my W4S DAC2 direct to the VS115. Then dropped in the 5SE. Stunning difference. I'm sold on the pre.