Any thoughts on removing a preamp from your system

Wow - this is good stuff.

Based on your comments I connected my VPI Classic TT thru my Fosgate Phono amp directly into my Audio Mirror mono blocks. The blocks have two RCA connectors with a toggle switch between the two. Up until now, I had no idea why the builder of these amps included two RCA connectors. The amps have a pot on the front for setting the gain I assume, so it appears I can run a source directly into the mono blocks.

It sounds wonderful for now, I just have to switch the toggle to the Fosgate source cables when I want to listen to my VPI table.

I am running my 5.5 VTL preamp into the other RCA inputs. I feed a Pathos InTheGroove phono amp and Marantz SACD player into the preamp.

The Pathos Phono is fed by a Miyajima Mono Cartridge for my second TT, a Nottingham Space Deck. I am using balanced interconnects between the Pathos and preamp with good results. I have a low level hum, but I am told that is common for the cartridge.

Anyway, if I don't add anymore source components, I believe I can live with this setup for now. I don't know if the maker of the Audio Mirrors intended his amps to be used in this fashion, but I like the sound with the direct feed. I was thinking a passive preamp would allow me to get rid of my VTL, but based on your comments I think I will hang on to it.

Thanks

Guys, It seems most of you favor a nice preamp in the path.

Well I made what I believe is a new discovery over the weekend, which maybe you can help me with.

Here's my situation.

I am running two turntables and their respective phono amps thru my VTL 5.5 preamp.

One is on the RCA input marked Phono, the other on an AUX input. I direct connected (i.e., by_passed the preamp) the one on the the AUX input and immediately liked the sound. I am still loving it. The direct to power amp connection just sounds more transparent and immediate to me.

1. Could I be imagining this increased transparency?

2. Could it be the AUX input is not suited for a phono amp connection and only the phono RCA connection is appropriate for phono? (The table running through this connection sounds great, albeit a mono cartridge setup.)

3. Or should I re-tube my preamp?

Herb

Hi Phusis, Iike your analysis.

Yesterday I returned my Fosgate Phono amp to my VTL 5.5 preamp, and immediately noticed a lost in dynamics and transparency. Needless to say I switched back to the direct connection of my phono amp to my Audio Mirror power amp. The Audio Mirrors have pots.

I realize these results maybe due to "total" system synergy, which is why I am not throwing out my preamp just yet.

I have two other source components (Marantz SACD, and a solid state battery operated option PATHOS Phono amp), which I plan to test tonight.

Herb

Hello Phusis.

Interesting synergy comments. I have not looked any further into simplifying my system other than the direct to amp configuration. I use two power conditioners mostly because I had experienced some low level hum, which has all but vanished with them in place. My mono amps are point-to-point wiring, and my speakers are a 3 way design. My speakers could, at 89db be more efficient for the low 20 watt Monoblocks, but I don't play my system at high volumes, so it all works.

The direct to amp did not work so well with my SS phono amp. I suspect the mono cartridge used in this configuration is the blame. It has always had very low level and tolerable hum. A condition common to the design according to the Japanese designer. But with the direct-to-amp setup the hum was remarkable. My preamp evidently helps control the noise level.

I did not try the SACD player because as you well know, digital signals will always need to be tamed. I figure the VTL preamp can only help in that setup.