How much $$ do bells and whistles add to preamp?
Hi All, I’m looking for a new preamp, but I don’t want or need things like home theater bypass, streaming, DAC, headphones, etc. Just a great preamp (maybe with phono). I’m looking at lots of models (Like Classe, Wyred4Sound, Peachtree, etc.) that come with lots of extras, and I’m wondering how much of the price devolves to those add-ons that I don’t want. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, as usual.
Well, as you surmised. no easy answer, or is there? My system is cd only. I have the Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 (outboard PS) when available MSRP was $1995 + $695. The combo can be found ~ $1000-1200. After 2 years I am still very happy with it, BUT, have wondered about R2R dacs. There is ONE I read about recently, with an optional built in preamp in the $5K range. Sadly, I don't recall the model/brand. If I do, Ill update. Maybe someone will chime in. I watched it on YouTube |
The Quicksilver Line Stage is built like a rock, with clean, simple, point to point wiring. It is not expensive but brings amazing value. I upgraded the caps for a few hundred dollars. It can be found used for about $1k. |
The cost of features is too much if you don't want them. This true at all price points. The cost of features in a preamp would depend on the quality of those features. This differs widely between units. Too many quality DACs available at all price points to want one internal to a preamp unless simplicity is a major concern. I prefer to keep digital components electrically isolated from amplification. |
