Yes (never really tried without a preamp)
Yes (I have done extensive testing without preamp)
No (never really tried with a preamp)
No (I have done extensive testing with preamp)
Given a single source component is used (so no need for input switching functionality), and this source component has:
- A well engineered volume control
- A robust output stage, impedance matched with the power amp
do you think the preamp plays an essential role in obtaining maximum sonic performance from a system?
Weiss Medea+ / DartZeel NHB 18NS - 108 / TAD CR1
Given the single-source parameter, if the volume control is good and driving impedance low or at least matches the power amp, I see no need for a preamp unless you want tone controls. Certainly all a preamp would do is add noise and distortion, though likely insignifcantly. That said, I can probably count on one hand the number of single-source systems I have seen through the years...
Don Herman
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music" - Aldous Huxley
I have tried several times to avoid the active preamplifier - high quality passives, integrated amplifiers that had just a potentiometer at the input, digital sources having analog or digital volume and good driving capability, but never got a fully satisfactory result. IMHO, it is a key component in a system, as it conditionates the choice of the source and the amplifier.
I'm confused. If a preamp has no tone controls and the system's single source is providing impedance-matched output to the amplifier and volume control, what role does a preamp play at all? One may prefer the colorations that their preamp adds, but lets not confuse preference with playing a functional role, much less an essential one.Originally Posted by AudioExplorations
Tim
In high-end audio, you can't even fight an opinion with the facts.
The only reason I can believe to have a preamp in this situation is for impedance optimization. There have been too many reports of superior sound when a preamp is used to ignore this.
Lee
Lee Aldridge
I post my own opinions except when posting as a moderator in green.
http://LeeAldridge.thrivelife.com
http://www.fightingconcepts.com
Tim, in this scenario the preamp plays no functional role at all. As I stated: "do you think the preamp plays an essential role in obtaining maximum sonic performance from a system?"
I hear so many people say that the preamp is the heart of a system which I why I am interested in the query. I will not yet give my opinion or join in on the discussion as I do not want to bias hopefully further voters.
Weiss Medea+ / DartZeel NHB 18NS - 108 / TAD CR1
Fair enough. I'll not bias readers any further then. FWIW, my answer is e) None of the above.
Tim
In high-end audio, you can't even fight an opinion with the facts.
Fair enough. I'll not bias readers any further then. FWIW, my answer is e) None of the above.
Tim
Weiss Medea+ / DartZeel NHB 18NS - 108 / TAD CR1
I never was impressed with vol. control only systems , it makes the music soulless , less forcefull , less bass extension, less structured.
One of the best neutral pres on the market and not that expensive,,,,.....Convergent ultimate mk2 .
I might actally might be able to shed some more (High rez ) light on it in the coming weeks , i am in the process of completeing a deal on a very interresting tube power amp which i believe has also a passive vol control , ill keep the cat and drive it with the cat also .
Its 2 times 8 watt , i think i might go see a docter
Last edited by andromedaaudio; 06-11-2012 at 02:52 PM.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks