2. amps-preamps
  3. 984019884

Is a preamp necessary?

Some advice if you please...

I just picked up a Proceed DAP and am thrilled with its performance--really improved the sound of my system (described below):

B&K Ref 2220 amp
Denon DCM 460 5 disc CD carousel
NAD C-160 preamp
Proceed DAP
Martin Logan Aerius (bi-wired from the amp)
Phoenix Gold speaker wires
Phoenix Gold and Audioquest Turquoise RCA interconnects

The Proceed DAP and the B&K amp both have balanced ins/outs, but the NAD C-160 does not. The DAP has volume control capability.

Here is the question--would I see (hear) an improvement in sound if I went straight from the DAP to the amp with high quality XLR interconnects and took the preamp out of the signal path?

Or, should I get a higher quality preamp that has balanced ins/outs?

My only source component for this system is the CD player/DAP...I don't need tape loop/tuner/phono...and my HT is in another room.

My tax refund is due soon, and I'm just itchin' to spend it...

Thanks

Mitch
128x128vermonter

Showing 1 response by massvm

massvm
126 posts
 
My recommendation is, why don't you just try it? Hook up directly with the DAP driving the B & K and see if it sounds better than with your NAD in the circuit? (I know folks that are driving amps directly with the DAP, although I believe Proceed recommends using a pre-amp.) If it sounds better without the NAD, live with it for a while, and hold off on buying that new pre-amp. All that having been said, I am one of those folks that Tom nice referred to that likes an active pre-amp in the signal path, a tube pre-amp at that.

My opinion, for what it's worth.
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