If you go with a pre, you can reduce the gain somewhat (it only takes 150mV to drive the Sun to full output) and IMHO improve the sound by leaving off the cathode bypass cap on the input voltage gain stage. I did this on mine and didn't notice any loss of high response that could be caused by the increase in output impedance of the first gain stage by leaving off the bypass cap. Leaving it off creates some degenerative feedback (hence the loss of some gain) and should reduce distortion. Try it. You might like it.
Sun Audio SV-2A3:: Direct or not?
How many Sun Audio SV-2A3 amp owners use a preamp in their system. Is there a sonic advantage in connecting a CD player or other digital set-ups directly to the amp bypassing a preamp? When used with a preamp, should the gain on the amp be turned all the way up?
Thanks for any info.
Thanks for any info.