I posted earlier about the HPA4 | LA4 | Serene preamps that I have all owned. Well, I finally found a DAC that I like direct to amp, and I bought it and I am selling the HPA4 (on head-fi).
Do I even need a dedicated stereo preamp?
Hi everybody, I'm new here. Been a lurker for a long time.
My current system is dual purpose for music and HT. However over time, I have added dedicated pieces of equipment for the music side. The only standalone piece I do not have is a preamp. Here is my current setup.
AVR: Anthem MRX 540
AMP: Buckeye Purifi 1ET6525SA 2 channel
STREAMER: Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2
DAC: Holo Audio Cyan 2
So far I am incredibly happy with my setup. However, a part of me wonders if I would gain any sonic benefit from a dedicated preamp.
I want to just full send it, but money is tight and I want to make sure I would truly have something to gain. That's why I am here asking all of you guys. If money wasn't an issue, I've been looking into Benchmark LA4 or the Holo Audio Serene. Another issue for me is I have gotten so used to using the Anthem phone app to adjust the volume say if I'm in my kitchen. I know I would lose that functionality.
So from those more experienced than me, will I hear a noticeable difference between the preamp in the Anthem AVR vs a dedicated preamp?
Thanks
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- 69 posts total
@antigrunge2 This statement is false. The output level that any digital device is designed for is 2 Volts as defined by redbook. That was a bad move on Sony and Phillips' part since that means the signal will always have to be knocked down to a lower level to be usable. One of the functions of an active line stage that is poorly understood is that of controlling artifacts in the interconnect cable. Passive devices fail in that regard but sometimes you get lucky and hit on a combination of cables that sort of works. That' s why you see this argument going on and on. The argument also goes on and on because some line sections are not very good at controlling the cable or just aren't very good. If you've ever auditioned cables to see which is better and heard a difference, that is the artifact I'm talking about. Some preamps can eliminate that entirely.
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@antigrunge2 Actually that is what I was trying to address. A low impedance control might work in some cases, and others not so well. It depends on if the source can drive the impedance without increased distortion and loss of bass. So you can see in some cases that would work well and totally not in others. If an active line stage were used it would simply work. WRT to the relay operated control, that suggests a higher end DAC where the idea of a digital volume control isn’t trusted. So then it comes down to how well the unit can control the interconnect cables. IME most of the time the answer to that is ’not so well’. A DAC set up this way that has a balanced output that supports AES48 (the balanced line standard) would likely work just fine. |
- 69 posts total