2. amps-preamps
  3. 1016609998

CD direct to amp vs active preamp

How many of you folks have ever tried running your digital source with a built in "high grade" volume control directly to your amp and compared that to the digital source feeding your active preamp and then the amp ? I am just curious as to the results and if you noticed any major differences. Obviously, we would have to add not only the preamp, but also another interconnect to make all of the connections. If you've done this "test" with a passive or buffered line section, feel free to join in. Sean
>
sean

Showing 1 response by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Sean, I've tried 2 different setups. 1st, a few years ago, was a Wadia 850 direct into a BAT vk60. Then I added a VK50Se preamp. In that scenario, the preamp's volume control was much better at lower volume levels-in all respects. At normal or high volume, the gap closed and I'd say the detail/intimacy was a little better direct, everything else better with preamp.

2nd, currently, is DCS Delius direct into VK60 with/without vk50SE preamp. Same conclusion. With a caveat, that I recently added 30 ft interconnect to the amp, now the preamp takes the edge in all areas.

For the money, direct is hard to beat, for the best, without regard to cost, I prefer the preamp in the chain.
More to discover