2. amps-preamps
  3. 1440359669

Would adding a pre back into the system eliminate

some extreme glare?
I recently switched from a tube pre to just using a Bel Canto 2.5 straight to the amp. It has more detail but is very revealing as far as terrible sounding cd's. I have also lost the robustness that it had. I have to turn it up quite a ways to get on top but by that time it is too loud. I think I am going to need another pre to take care of that. I still have some mid range glare though that is excruciating. Mostly voices. I am including a list of my setup. I don't know if it is my speaker cables, or lack of pre. I should have good sound with the BC 2.5 and amp I think, but with out purchasing individual components and seeing I don't know. I would appreciate any thoughts. Normal living room, carpet, drapes, pictures, etc.
McCormack UDP-1 love it, plays dvd audio and good cd's with excellent sound.
Silnote Poseidon Sig digital to BC 2.5 huge upgrade from what I had
Harmonic Tech Magic Link II xlr to amp maybe even more so than above
PBN Custom amp dual mono 160w/ch class A/B
DH Labs Silver Sonic Q 10 speaker cables
NHT 3.3 speakers.... plenty capable,they sound great.
jerryaudio

Showing 3 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Jerryaudio,
Cdrc suggestion is the best course of action, direct comparison. As you're probably aware, this is an often covered topic(check the site's archives for proof). You'll find many advocates of either of these two approaches. Listen and decide using your system.
Best of luck.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Jerryaudio,
What you describe is the fundamental crux(dilemma) of this recurrent topic.
The fullness, substance, body, dynamics and tonal density (flesh on the
bone) aspects that many listeners cite with the addition of an active
preamp.

Either you'll view it as simply added coloration and not true to the source.
Or
You will view its addition as vital music information that completes the
sonic signal otherwise missing without the active preamp.
That's your individual call to make.
As this and previous threads have demonstrated, there are passionate
advocates on both sides.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hi Jerryaudio,
Do you have a particular replacement active preamp to try or are you as yet undecided? There are numerous fine choices available, you're in a good situation.
Charles,
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