Would a preamp help?


I've just changed around my system completely... I went from a multichannel setup based on the Theta Casablanca to:

Theta David CD/DVD transport
dCS Purcell upsampler
dCS Delius DAC
2 x ARC VT 100 Mk IIIs
ProAc 3.8s

Cabling is Kimber Orchid AES/EBU from CD/DVD to Purcell, dual Kimber Orchid AES/EBU from Purcell to Delius, Kimber Silver Streak XLR->Kimber Silver Streak Y Splitter from Delius to amps, and dual runs of Kimber Monocle XL from the amps to the speakers. Everything is powered by DIY VH Flavor 1/2/3 PCs to a PS Audio Power Director.

I'm finding the resolution improved, but the music seems to lack some immediacy and drive--the slam factor. Bass is also a bit overblown, but I think that is attributable to room placement issues and bass I wasn't getting before.

I'm trying to figure out whether the issue is a whole slew of new cables and break-in issues--the Orchids and SS are all out of the box--or whether its the lack of a preamp. If you think a pre would help, any suggestions? I guess my immediate reaction might be to find an ARC LS25 Mk II or Ref 2 Mk II, but its a pretty expensive upgrade...
edesilva

Showing 1 response by listener57

You might want to check out the SCE Harmonic Recovery System, a "black box" costing about $450 brand new. It follows your DAC, and connects to your amp(s) and when you "google it" you can read the reviews about how it optimizes the connection, including restoring the pace, drive, harmonic richness, and slam. Also, see similar comments here on Audiogon. It is another active device which is transparent, except for making everything better.Once you insert it into the signal chain there is never anything more to do. It just sits there, always on. They go used for about $250 here on Audiogon. I use one in each of three systems, both with, and without a preamp.