2. amps-preamps
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Partly passive preamp?

I’ve been using an Audio Research LS22 preamp with my Krell duo 175xd power amp. I also use an Audio Research PH3 phono stage.   Since the ARC preamp is about 25 years old, I’ve thought of replacing it. First, I decided to connect my PS Audio Directstream DAC directly to the Krell amp to see if it made a difference (the DirectStream has a good volume control).  It sounds great.  If I never wanted to use my turntable and tuner again, I’d consider sticking with this setup.  My question: is there such a thing as a preamp which would allow me to use my other equipment but does nothing to the signal coming from the dac...which is essentially passive when using the dac input?  
fast

Showing 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,509 posts
 
@fast As with yourself, I was also looking for a preamp that was very benign to the signal coming in. The 2 that I narrowed my focus on were the Mola Mola Makua $12K - $20K and the Benchmark LA4 $2.5K. I ended up getting the HPA4 at $3K. The HPA4 is the finest component I ever bought and I am building my office system around it. Some folks are putting 20K+ sources and 20K+ amps in-between the LA4 for the same reason you are looking to do with a preamp.

If I go separates for my future downstairs ssytem I will get another LA4 or HPA4. Ease of use for the wife is going to be a big factor on the downstairs system (iPhone, simple turn on, etc...). So not sure about separates.
yyzsantabarbara
4,509 posts
 
There is a few posts in the LA4 preamp thread today that gives some examples of the quality of the LA4. You got nothing to lose other than $2500 if you do the 30 day free trial from Benchmark. I use a HPA4 with a few analog sources including a DAC.

Wow, did not realize the HPA4 was Product of the Year for 2019. It is marvelous with headphones.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/reviews/hpa4-review-tom-martin-the-absolute-sound
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