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Will adding a preamp dramatically change my sound?

You can link to my system below, but basically it is a Cary CD player with internal analog volume control direct to a Spectron Musician II amplifier into Totem Forest Speakers, with quality cables and power cords. Honestly I don't feel anything is lacking, but still find myself getting curious about what effect a preamp would have. Anyone have any experience going from a CD direct to amplifier, and later adding a preamplifier? To what result?
jswarncke

Showing 2 responses by dcstep

dcstep
1,518 posts
 
YMMV, listen first. Notice that no one was starting with Cary.

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Generally the problem with CDP-to-amp direct is the use of digital volume control, which can greatly compromise the sound. However, since your Cary is providing analog volume control and Cary generally uses high quality parts, I doubt you'll gain much, if anything, by adding a pre.

As you spend more and more, both analog and digital volume controls can, and usually do, get better. Still, if this is going to be your only source and there's a good match with your Spectron (you'd expect that from Cary) then you're probably in great shape.

Cutting out a set of ICs is almost always a good thing. In fact, you'll probably gain more by upgrading your ICs and PCs than adding a pre.

Anyway, there's no harm in trying a pre-amp, but don't buy without doing and A-B comparison.

Dave
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