2. amps-preamps
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Preamp Noise with High-Efficiency Speakers

I have Avantgarde Duo Classic Speakers, I hear a very audible buzzing noise whenever I insert an analog preamp. If I run my DAC (AMR DP-777) directly into power amp, the noise disappears. I have tried 4 different preamps (tube and SS), 3 different amps, a bunch of RCA and XLR interconnects, the problem persists. I have tried dedicated power line and two power conditioners (with Multi-wave options) and various high-quality power cords, so far nothing works, and I am forced to run DAC-direct into power amp. The buzz is not very loud but certainly audible enough to be annoying. There's no noise running the same equipment and power source into regular speakers, I am pretty sure it's just the Avantgarde (104dB sensitivity). Please share your solution if you have had similar situations. Thanks!
yingtonggao
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Yingtonggao looks like high system gain may have be your problem with the other setup.
This is what Stereophile said about the measurements on the Carys, looks like they have very low gain. Which is what's needed for a very efficent horn system.

"Input impedance was an easy 150k ohms in parallel with around 100 picofarads.
The amplifier needed a fair input voltage despite its modest output power"

With their very high input impedance of 150kohms they are also begging to have the DP-777 directly into them.

Cheers George
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
He just said his sound is the best he`s had so far with the current Avantgarde speaker set up. Leave well enough alone and appreciate the new found sonic joy.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
He has it all there, and won't cost him a cent to try it. He may even be in for a bigger/better surprise.
After all it will be the most transparent/dynamic way of being true to the sound of the source there is going direct, as it is also a prefect match as well.

Cheers George
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
After all it will be the most transparent/dynamic way of being true to the sound of the source there is going direct, as it is also a prefect match as well.

This is only true in certain situations can cannot be regarded as universal. In this case we are seeing testimony that the active unit is sounding better than direct.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
He hasn't said he's tried this new amp (Cary) direct yet.

Cheers George
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