Thoughts on the Signal Path


There are those who stick to the notion -- no matter what -- that adding length to the signal path must be a negative for SQ, ipso facto. I am wondering about this in light of the fact that so many people say that using a preamp improves the sound of their system.

Your thoughts on the signal path?
sabai

Showing 2 responses by sabai

I have a tube amp and a tube preamp. When I run the system without the preamp the sound is awful. For others this may not be the case. I don't think that the length of the signal path has anything to do with sound quality. Some folks swear by a short signal path. They might change their mind if they A/B-ed systems where adding a preamp clearly improves the sound quality.
Mapman,

I agree that the length and complexity of the signal path mean nothing, per se. But in spite of proof to the contrary there are those who steadfastly maintain that any unnecessary lengthening of the signal path must, ipso facto, degrade sound quality. I do not understand holding to this doctrinaire position in light of the fact that A/B testing clearly shows this is a false assertion.