Do I need a new pre-amp?


Hello, my current set-up: EAD Signature 5.1 Pre, EAD PM 2000. Would like to purchase a used EMC-1 mk2. My question is can the EAD pre-amp pass the EMC's 24/192 signal? I know there is no separate volume control for the EMC, so I would think I am stuck trying to connect to the Sig? Suggestions perhaps on an alternative pre-amp? Please help!
Thanks, Dave
128x128makofkalaw

Showing 1 response by fs_audio

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe the EAD Sig 5.1 has an analog pass-thru. In which case the benefit of having the incredible DAC present in the EMC-1 will be wasted. The reason: When you use the analog inputs into the EAD from the EMC-1 (or any CD player), the EAD will downconvert the signal back to digital, then reconvert from digital back to analog before sending the signal to the amp. As good as the DAC is in the EAD, it is no match for that in the EMC-1. In addition, an extra step is added to the conversion process, which ALWAYS results in loss of resolution. Unless you plan on getting a processor with analog pass-thru, you may want to consider purchasing a dedicated 2-channel preamp.

Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio