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Streamer/preamp question

I am finding conflicting answers to this question so I thought I’d throw it open to the forum.  The question is, with a streamer preamp combo—let’s say the Cambridge EXN100–when I bypass the preamp and go analog out to an integrated amp, am I simply bypassing the volume control or are there analog stage portions of the preamp that are also bypassed. I’d like to know this about the Edge NQ as well, but my question is really just generic.  

I currently run an 851N into an Atoll IN 300 and I have compared the two scenarios, but switching is cumbersome and not a true AB test.  Both ways sound wonderful to my ears, but I do believe I hear a slightly more narrow sound stage when using the Cambridge as a preamp and the Atoll simply as a power amp.  So am I hearing a degradation caused by the Cambridge volume control or is it because the much more modern Atoll has a better preamp?

tomaswv
soix
11,230 posts
 

The Atoll probably has a better preamp section, and preamps matter a lot so that’s probably what you’re hearing.

hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
252 posts
 

A bit off topic - some years ago, I had Atoll separates, specifically the PR200 preamp and the AM200 power amp. Without a doubt, the power amp was superior.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,397 posts
 

@soix

+1

To make a comparison. Plug it in one way. Listen to music (as opposed to system) for a couple weeks. Don't think about the components. Then switch for a couple weeks. It is likely you will be surprised how obvious it is after the first switch. But the second time (after a total of a month) it should easily confirm your first observations.

Quick A/B comparison is for vary seasoned veterans. The above comparison is for the rest of us.  

tomaswv OP
257 posts
 

Thanks. That’s basically what I’m doing. I’ve switched to the Cambridge as preamp and have listened for a couple of days already and will continue in this configuration for a week or so.  I have a trusted list of tracks that I’ve used over the years, and when I switch back it should confirm what I think I’m hearing or surprise me.

So what I am hearing no is the whole preamp section of the Cambridge, and when I switch back to bypass mode I’m cutting out that whole preamp, and only hearing the DAC and its associated analog stages?

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