Comparing Phono Pre-Amps


Oh Boy, here I go...

Do you all feel there is a easier way to compare Phono Pre-Amps besides connecting/disconnecting each one?

I have thought about if there is a way to take the output from a TT and send it to 2 Phono Pre-Amps and from there, those 2 pre-amps could be connected to an Integrated and from there, you simply switch back and forth?

I have been looking but have not come across such a device.

From what I have researched, most comments have stated to simply have long listening sessions with both back and forth and I get that but wish there was a ability to switch immediately between two.

I know the thought is doing so would introduce all kinds of unnecessary variables that would ultimately degrade the sound and defeat the whole purpose.

But I guess from a technical standpoint, can it be done?

Thnx

128x128jay73

Showing 1 response by 8th-note

There is a company that makes high quality signal routers - Mapletree Audio. You can have them configure one however you want it or you can go with the standard 3 in & 3 out.

This is the best solution IMO if you want to compare phono preamps. You can have both hooked up and you can switch at will. I personally prefer short term switching because I know from experience that my system can sound better or worse on different days without changing anything (I think the difference lies within myself as opposed to external forces). I will usually pick a single track, play the track all the way through, and then play it again through the other component. I also like to play a short section, maybe 10 seconds, of a track that represents a particular sonic characteristic. Being able to rapidly switch facilitates a good comparison. I will do this over a couple weeks at different times because I know that my hearing acuity is not always the same. I'm distrustful of changing out a piece of gear and listening for a few weeks because researchers have demonstrated that audio memory is very poor after a short period. It's a golden opportunity for expectation bias and confirmation bias to set in.