2. amps-preamps
  3. 1410477034

amp or preamp next?

Hi everyone,

Well, after auditioning many integrated amps, I'm contemplating a move into separates. I have been running a NAD 375BEE integrated with an Oppo 105 (and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent NAD sound). Recently, I hooked up the Oppo directly to the main-in of the NAD, bypassing the preamp section, and the sound became more transparent and more revealing. Voices and instruments just seem to be much more realistic now.

So, I started thinking about upgrading the amp to something better than the NAD. Or, should I look for a preamp first? I'm not sure what I'd gain by placing a preamp between the Oppo and the NAD if I like the sound now, but I don't know much about separates.

Maybe a tube preamp??

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott
smrex13

Showing 4 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,556 posts
 
If I'm not mistaken the Oppo uses a digitally-controlled analog volume control chip, controlled by the remote.

If so then I would do the power amp next- unless you need more inputs. What kind of speakers do you have? You might be pleasantly surprised at what a tube amp can do if you have the right speakers.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,556 posts
 
Keep in mind that if you use the Oppo direct, that it will be a good idea to keep your interconnect cables short. So your system will have to sit between the speakers.

With a good preamp, you can run much longer interconnect cables and thus put the front end of the system somewhere else than just between the speakers. A preamp could also be handy if you plan to use more than just the Oppo as a source.

But if you only plan to use the Oppo and short interconnect cables are fine- then run it direct into the amp. Again, if you have the right speakers, you may be pleasantly surprised at what a tube amp can bring to the party.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,556 posts
 
There is no need to worry about interconnect lenght when using the Oppo 105 direct into your amp. As it has an output impednace of 100ohm and an output voltge that's higher than most amps need into cliping. It will drive long interconnects better than most tube preamps can.

There is more to driving long interconnects than just output impedance. Another crucial aspect in success at this is avoiding putting any signal current through the shield of the interconnect.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,556 posts
 
I can't say how a run of the mill preamp can.

But I was not referring to such anyway; here is my exact statement:

Another crucial aspect in success at this is avoiding putting any signal current through the shield of the interconnect.

Most preamps, tube or solid state, and most passive controls too, put signal current through the shield. This makes the system sound vulnerable to the construction of the cable, i.e. is one of the reasons we hear differences between cables. Its not the only reason, but certainly one of them.
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