2. amps-preamps
  3. 140146-108796

What will a preamp do for me?

Missing in the chain below is a preamp - I use the DAC to control volume.  This is my only source and will be for some time.  What could I gain by adding a preamp?

I have Thiel CS 2.3s driven by a BAT VK-55, sourced by PS Audio PW DAC, with bridge II, mostly tidal.  The DAC serves as a preamp in terms of volume control.  Mostly Audioquest cables, amp power cord is Cardas Clear m, all fed by PS Audio upc-200.

I am am hoping to improve the highs, which sometimes sound smeared, too much sibilance; would like more air and clarity.  Loud rock sounds flatter, less dynamic than I’d like.  I am not willing to give up the deep detailed and beautifully resonant mids.  Willing to spend up to $3000, used is ok.  Totally balanced is a must.  Not currently willing to entertain the idea of different speakers - my goal is to make the 2.3s sound as good as reasonably possible before moving on to other speakers.  It’s easy to find a really good preamp in this price range, so much so I am almost paralyzed by the choices.  Aesthetix , Ayre, ARC, several BAT, Parasound and more all have apparently excellent models in my price range.  Patience would put Atma-sphere and PS Audio within reach.  Which is best for my situation?  There’s no way to audition all of these, how could I avoid getting on a preamp merry-go-round?  Or should I spend my money elsewhere?
128x128thosb
richmos
9 posts
 
Why not mate a BAT preamp with your BAT VK-55? Seems like it would be a good fit.
apogee14151617
11 posts
 
I too follow a "no preamp" preamp approach.  The issues you are having are commonly talked about on the forums.  I have come across the Townshend Allegri+ variable audio transformer.  Its the best volume control I have found.  Its totally natural, adds no coloration and has incredible resolution (Using Apogee Scintilla Ribbons).  Could not believe it when I went from an external Naim dac to the dac in my Naim NDX streamer with the Allegri+.  Soundstage much better, timber around each instrument, soundstage extends past the speakers on some music, sound is very dynamic.  I could not be happier.  The Allegri+ is in your stated budget.  I am going to try a single channel version of the same--with one input and one output, and no internal connections--with constrained layer damping.  Single purpose device with no compromises and has remote volume.  These devices inherently address the impedance match issue which is the root of most of the problems with passive approach. 
schwantner
11 posts
 
What do people think of the Superphon?  
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
44 posts
 
nice tube preamp mated to SS amp is the way I would go ....
i would agree with this ..... I actually have croft 25r (tube rolled with NOS) which is a very sweet hybrid pre amp and way under budget going into ATC P1 / Harbeth 

it isn’t balanced however but my cable run is only 40cm.

of all the setups over the years this mix of valve early on and then tranny power has the control,  dynamism and smoothness I love. 2 years on I still tap along to music thinking WTF every few songs .... in a good way
tarheelneil
35 posts
 
Several of you are claiming that digital volume controls are inferior to non-digital controls.  Two or three days ago, I watched a video by Paul McGowan of PS Audio saying just the opposite.  Yes, in the early days of digital, at lower volumes, the digital controls sacrificed word length at lower volumes, as they were controlled by one, or in a few cases, two 16 bit chips.  But, according to Paul, todays controls are extremely linear.  He also explained how even the best non-linear controls increase noise levels at lower volumes, and can not compete with today's digital controls. He further explains that that is why very few designers today use anything but digital controls. You can believe what you want, I'm just throwing in what one industry biggie thinks on the subject as food for thought.  
More to discover