Should I eliminate my preamp?

Since I've gone from tube integrated, to direct-from-DAC to tube amp, to solid state linestage, to classis ARC tube pre-amp, to newer ARC tube linestage, I've decided that....it depends. I have some speculations and experiences but few technical chops.

I do think a lot of linestages are tone controls that shape the sound, which is fine.  In that vain, I think Mark Levinson had it right with the Cello Palette, which allowed the listener to shape for speakers, room, and personal preference.  Someone should make a great modern version of this where you can store a few profiles.  Sometimes you need more cowbell, and sometimes you need Big Bottom.

But I'm still haunted by how alive the tricked out SP3a sounds and plan to give it another go.  Once you hear it, others seem veiled and more "recorded."  Less involving. I also think tube pre's can add pleasing even harmonics that is just nice to listen to.

It also seems that some tubed units create faster swings from soft-to-loud and a sound stops faster, producing more nuanced, lifelike vocals.  My hunch is that this relates to very good power supplies and associated circuits.

I'm still not satisfied, and may try Backert or Sachs, since I want those lifelike vocals without softening the bass.

chuckjonez19 posts04-05-2018 10:55pmThe first truly high end piece of gear I bought was a pre-amp. I couldn’t believe that change it made in my system. Without changing my midfi CD player or power amp, I was hearing a 3 dimensional sound stage for the first time, and a less brittle, much warmer and rounder sound. It excited me so much I rushed to purchase a high end power amp. It added bass authority and an even rounder more musical sound, but the soundstage magic was still a product of the preamp. I’ve been a preamp believer ever since, and would not consider using only a DAC with a volume control. That’s my limited experience.

Direct vs. Preamp - the basic question.  Seems to me that checkjonez figured out what he prefers and that is all that matters.  No one person here can say for sure as each system has many variables.  You can change the sound of any piece of equipment CDP, pre, amp by simply changing resistors, caps, etc.  You don't always have to chase a higher priced component.

I prefer a preamp, some may not.  To me it does not depend on the quality of the source, direct has a different presentation than a tube preamp IMO and in my system.  Which is closer to being real - that depends on what you prefer with your own ears.  I understand what checkjonez is saying.  Soundstage magic with his tube preamp.

Happy Listening.  

Nice post George.  You figured out all the specs of my system. And as I put my system together I tried to do as much of that as I could.  I wondered about capacitance of my cables, input sensitivity of my amp and so on. I think it payed off.
The dac I use in my main system is a moon 300d. It has a bigger power supply than the 100d I use to use. I did not have that on my virtual system. I just went on their and updated it since you mentioned it. Thanks.
Now the sound I hear is not a night and day difference. But easily noticeable for me, which means it may not be for someone else not familiar with my system. The difference for me was in not just hearing the music but feeling it a little more. I think it is the actual air pressure. Like when a vocalist gets their mouth close to a mic and you feel the air pressure of their voice a little more through the sound system that is being used. And I am talking about just a little more. Anyway I think people would enjoy a passive more if they make a passive friendly system.  Maybe my experience doing this help's someone a little.

They do say the VH First has a sound of it's own, and is not neutral. Maybe what you heard is just that with the 1/2mt, less of it's house sound getting closer to neutral.

Cheers George

That is real possible. Thanks