2. amps-preamps
  3. 1314231744

Is no preamp the best preamp of all?

As an experiment I hooked up my OPPO BDP-95 (which has a volume control) directly to my amp. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear a significant improvement in clarity and sound quality. Typically I have the analog outputs on the OPPO running through my preamp in Analog Direct. I have heard that the circuitry within preamps can cause cross-talk in the analog signal, deteriorating the quality of the signal. So, would having no preamp (and therefore no other circuits to interfere with the signal) be better than an expensive analog or digital preamp running in Analog Direct? I am not really interested in Room Correction or DSP of any kind. I was considering purchasing a Bel Canto PRe6 (which I've read is excellent for multichannel analog), but would it be better to just have the OPPO running directly to the power amp?
128x128cdj123

Showing 6 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
I agree with jdoris, there are`nt any rules. It`s just personal trial and error for a given system. In my case I prefer a very high quality active preamp.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Arthur Salvatore has updated and revised his opinion since he auditioned ans subsequently purchased the active Coincident Statemnet Linestage a few months ago. He now believes for the vast majority(with rare exception) a superior active is preferred.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Pubul57,
As clearly stated above, this is a recent change on his part(which has nothing to do with your own preferences).
Arthur says the CSL had a profound effect on his previous stance concerning passive/actives. YMMV.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
I doubt anything mystical. He wrote about what he experienced, nothing more or less.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Pubul57,
Thank you very much for your kind comments regarding my system.
The Coincident components have worked out superbly for me.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
I also agree with Mitch2,well said.
More to discover