Do I want a preamp?


If my only source is going to be a CD player,
than should I sell my preamp and buy a CD player
with a volume control, and go directly into my amp?
If so, my thinking is a Cary 303/200. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
markeetaux

Showing 1 response by kana813

Depends on a few factors, the input sensitivity/input impededance of your power amp and the cdp's ability to drive it and how long the cable run is from the cdp to the power amp.

Most cdps are designed to drive the high impedance, high
sensitivity input of a preamp.

Without the added gain and impedance buffering provided by the preamp most cdps don't sound as dynamic when use to
drive a power amp directly. Yes- they'll play loud, but
the sound can be flat and lifeless.

I'm using a buffered passive preamp between my cdp and power amp, which only needs .75 volts to put out it's 300 watts/ch., plus my speakers are fairly efficient(another factor to consider) and it works for me.

I suggest you talk with Cary and tell them about your system.