2. amps-preamps
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Any thoughts on removing a preamp from your system

Hello guys

This is my first post and I have been on Audiogon for a number of years now.

My question to the group is, have any of you removed your preamp completely from your system? Run your front ends straight to your amp? And, what benefits have you noticed, if any.

And finally, if you have used a passive preamp in your system, what are your thoughts on the setup?

I understand one would need to have some sort of "pot" in the signal path to regulate volume.

Herb
hcalland
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
Amp should have high input impedance and sufficient input sensitivity to suit passive preamp.
timlub
1,649 posts
 
I have tried it many times, I've always gone back to my trusted preamp... But, I'm doing it again shortly. Just built a DIY ES9018 USB Dac that is bit perfect through windows volume control... So, one more try for me.
Tim
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
It is something I want to try as well sometime.

1) I like the simplicity of the solution for the task at hand
2) I am curious how things might sound if done right
3) I like the small size and low price

For now, I have 4 decent quality pre-amps to tinker with as needed and I have seen that all have been capable performers to meet my needs. They are all a tight fit in my enclosed audio cabinet however, a minor inconvenience when it comes time to dabble mostly.
o_holter
541 posts
 
I thought, with the Aesthetix Io with volume, even upgrading to Eclipse and dual power, that I would be safe -- no need for a preamp. I was wrong. I strongly suggest you listen to a good preamp in your system before going too far down the "direct to the amps" road. At least, in my case, even with a superlative source, it did not work out.
ebm
5,165 posts
 
A really good preamp (tubes) is always better!!
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