In Reply to: Sound quality or sound quantity? posted by RGA on December 14, 2021 at 19:01:24:
"the preamplifier is more important to the sound quality than the power amps. Get a really good preamplifier that you love."
You don't need an active preamp except for vinyl based systems. DACs are rated for a standard 2v output which is what is required to drive a standard amplifier to full output.
Why would you ever want to add un unneeded active stage which just gives you more gain that then has to be attenuated, all of which compromises the signal? A stepped attenuator or TVC sure, but these are passive.
If it's tone and timbre you are after, then get that right in the amplifier itself. Too many people think that "adding a tube" as a preamp gives you "that tube sound". If you want "tube sound" get a tube amplifier. Or use a DAC with a tube output stage.
Preamps have a long history but that's what it is in 2021 - history.
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Follow Ups
- The best preamp is no preamp - andy evans 12/14/2123:44:05 12/14/21 (9)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp - PakProtector 13:58:11 12/26/21 (0)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp - Todd Krieger 02:28:02 12/16/21 (0)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp - RPMac 16:22:38 12/15/21 (0)
- The best preamp is no preamp ? - Cleantimestream 10:07:46 12/15/21 (2)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp ? - MylesJ 15:54:16 12/20/21 (1)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp ? - Cleantimestream 14:19:20 12/22/21 (0)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp - deathtube 667 05:16:55 12/15/21 (0)
- RE: The best preamp is no preamp - RGA 04:20:12 12/15/21 (0)
- perfect world - Story 03:18:56 12/15/21 (0)