2. amps-preamps
  3. 1045524772

Need A Quick Education

I am narrowing down a short-list of preamplifiers that have the features I want. Unable to audition them, I wanted to know what a good "Signal to Noise" ratio is. I am seeing 90dB through up to 102dB. Is a higher number here better? I know that with CD and SACD/DVDA players a higher S/N ration is a good thing, is it the same with preamps? If I run an SACD player through a preamp with a 90dB (or lower), what am I losing? BTW: all the pre's I am looking at are SS and the one in the lead has a s/n of 90dB. Thanks in advance!!
treyhoss

Showing 2 responses by mwilson

mwilson
430 posts
 
What about those of us with horns? You'd better pay SOME attention to the S/N ratio, because you'll hear the N quite a bit if you don't. Just hope the manufacturer posts accurate/honest measurements. Wait... did someone say you just have to listen?

Trey is right to ask - I have a pre/pro that has a S/N ratio that is "better than 90db A weighted", and at idle it sounds a little like listening to the inside of a seashell with my Klipsch la Scalas.
mwilson
430 posts
 
Marakanetz,
S/N ratio isn't measured for speakers, you're thinking of sensitivity (also reported in dB).
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