The solution for me was to attach directly onto the RCA input jacks of the power amplifier one pair of EVS Ultimate Attenuators from Ric Schultz at tweakaudio.com. This eliminates the preamp with its interconnect, but allows adjusting volume even when you use fixed output from CD player. He has a model for transistor amp, and a model for tube amp. The performance of your amp is then unleashed as there is no tuning or shading of the analogue signal entering your power amp. Retail price is only $350 per pair. A wonderful bargain which costs less than the interconnects it makes unnecessary, and really optimizes in a "less is more" way.
To preamp or not to preamp???
I have been lookig for a tube preamp to mate with my Pass Labs X-250. There are several I would concider, the Supratek middle of the liine model, Thor 1000, and maybe a Joule new 150. Today I placed a friends modded Metronome tube CDP direct into the Pass X-250 bypassing my preamp and now I am thinking of replacing my Sony SCD-777ES with a better CDP with volume control first, there are several that have been discussed on Agon, Wadia, AA, RA Opyus 21, Accuphase, Cary, Levinson.
So what is your recommendtation for me:
1. Get a better CDP with volume control to run direct for now until I can get more funds to get a really good preamp?
2. Get a really good preamp and then repalce the Sony when I can afford the upgrade?
3. Or, I could probably get a really good preamp now and also get my Sony CDP modded by Richard Kern ($1000 available funds for a mod on the Sony) as a third option until I could save up for a better CDP.
Thanks and Happy Listening.
So what is your recommendtation for me:
1. Get a better CDP with volume control to run direct for now until I can get more funds to get a really good preamp?
2. Get a really good preamp and then repalce the Sony when I can afford the upgrade?
3. Or, I could probably get a really good preamp now and also get my Sony CDP modded by Richard Kern ($1000 available funds for a mod on the Sony) as a third option until I could save up for a better CDP.
Thanks and Happy Listening.