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?
@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. |
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? |
Don't automatically assume the DAC / preamp section inside Atoll IN300 is better. You need to audition it and make judgement yourself. According to Tarun, Compared to Hegel 190, "The Atoll does not extract quite as much information from the recording. The bass is a bit softer, as the midrange transients. The top end is a touch more rolled off. But IN300 has greater bass weight and richer midrange, and it gives it bolder, fuller presentation." On the other hand, this TAS review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwD55dx4VI0) gives high praise to the EXN100 DAC/preamp’s sound quality compared to the digital board output stage of the EXA100 integrated amplifier. Sometimes, biased expectations toward specific brands can lead people to believe things that aren’t accurate and to spread misinformation. Trust your ears but if you were not competent, trust the professional reviewers who have actually heard the gears rather from some ad-hoc opinions. |
@tomaswv I think you can solve your problem for about $40. Rose 150b has USB inputs and you can get a USB CD drive from Staples (e.g.), https://www.staples.com/lg-gp60nb50-external-ultra-slim-portable-dvdrw-black-retail-pack-gp60nb50/product_IM15PP868 There are even cheaper options from Walmart for about $20 - google "walmart external cd drive". Look carefully at your Rose documentation but googling "can I attach a USB cd drive to a Rose 150b" suggests it can be done. Pictures of the Rose unit show a "Play CD" icon on the front. No guarantees of SQ but it is a ridiculously cheap and simple test. The Rose will be buffering and reclocking the async data from the drive so SQ probably matches streaming. I use that a drive like that for ripping CDs using my Eversolo T8 and it can also play CDs.
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