This is an interesting thread for me as I was a die-hard "no preamp" guy for about the last 10 years or so. I almost always bought CDP's that either had a variable out, or ones that had lots of gain/voltage. Well, recently on the persuasive suggestion of an audio friend, I decided to audition a BAT VK-3ix, as my current system seemed to lack the critical dynamics that make music reproduction more life-like. Much to my pleasant surprise, not only were the dynamic shadings (both macro & micro) improved, but all other parameters - soundstage depth, height, noise floor and of course bass control were better. All of this with no detectable loss of any fine details that I thought would be the trade-off. (These were all more than just subtle improvements btw). So I guess it show you that it IS better to try something before assuming the results! as they will "vary with mileage.." (My current setup btw is the incredible Esoteric UX-3SE, NuForce 9SE, M.L. Summits in a dedicated room). I also heard the same wholesale improvments with my Opera Audio Droplet CDP.
Do I even need or want a preamp?
For over 5 years my home audio system had been stable. I used a Wadia 6 direct into a Jeff Rowland Model 1 with Synergistic Research balanced interconnects, out to a pair of Aerial 10Ts (Synergistic Research cables). I knew that the speakers could use more power than the Roland could give, and that the Wadia 6 was now pretty outdated. I recently replaced the Wadia and the Rowland with an Accuphase DP-57 CD player and a used Levinson 336 amp, plus replaced the interconnects with a pair of Tara Labs Air2. The end result was that the Aerials came alive and I am hearing MUCH more detail without harshness.
I brought home a BAT preamp to try out and have to say that whatever differences (other than volume capability) seemed quite subtle. The bass might have been a bit tighter, but it seemed like some of the ambient information was lost. Considering the $6500 list price of the preamp, I am trying to figure out if a preamp is even helpful for my system. The Accuphase has its own internal volume control. Never having owned a preamp before, I don't know what I was expecting, but improvement in the sound did not seem to be present with the preamp. I am now leaning towards not adding a preamp to the system, but want to know if I'm simply uninformed about any benefits that one might do for my current system.
Thanks in advance for helping me learn!
I brought home a BAT preamp to try out and have to say that whatever differences (other than volume capability) seemed quite subtle. The bass might have been a bit tighter, but it seemed like some of the ambient information was lost. Considering the $6500 list price of the preamp, I am trying to figure out if a preamp is even helpful for my system. The Accuphase has its own internal volume control. Never having owned a preamp before, I don't know what I was expecting, but improvement in the sound did not seem to be present with the preamp. I am now leaning towards not adding a preamp to the system, but want to know if I'm simply uninformed about any benefits that one might do for my current system.
Thanks in advance for helping me learn!