2. amps-preamps
  3. 135591-46395

How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

Hello all.
I'm using an Audible Illusions L1 preamp and I think my system sounds better when I remove it from the signal path. Oppo BD105 directly to SMC Audio DNA1 Gold power amp. I have read that there is level of quality you need to hit before there will be an improvement in sound. I can't seem to find what that level is. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Ben
honashagen
402 responses Add your response
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Um, this is very very much a matter of personal taste. I don't think no preamp is necessarily the golden standard. I buy for pleasure, not specs or measurements.

Sometimes a juicy, colorful preamp can be fun as hell. :) 

Best,


E
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
If you don't need a pre-amp and your sources are making all the signal you need, a simple buffered volume control is really all you need. Even better if you pimp it out with a stepped resistor ladder attenuator. 
Log in to respond
More to discover
Luxman E-250
Parasound halo jc5
Parasound P6