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To Pre or not to Pre? Here is my take

I remember reading in many places that the best preamp was no preamp.
Finally in a position to test that theory
Equipment is Esoteric sa-50 player, audio research ls preamp, bat vk600 power amp.
So I let everything warm up for an hour or so and then played some Halestorm through the system, for anybody who is not familiar with Mz. Hale, she is similar to a smoother Bonnie Tyler with more range! Her band has some great bass guitar and drum work as well so a nice little workout.
After 5 or 6 tracks I changed over to powering the bat direct from the esoteric using the same cardas xlr interconnects.
It only took a couple of tracks to confirm
I just did not like this sound, bass was much thinner, soundstage not as wide, vocals not as smokey for want of a better description of Mz. Hales style.
Hooked the ls2 back and joy was restored!

What does this tell me?
That absolutely the ls preamp is adding its own sonic signature to the mix, in theory that equates to probably a more "dirty" sound but to me this was the sound I preferred.
Now obviously no 2 people listening to the same gear are going to hear the same thing, its impossible!
However playing MY music on MY gear the sound going through the ls2 preamp was the sound that I wanted to hear, end of story.
Oh trust me its not just value perception, I sort of WANTED the sound to be better without the ls2 preamp as I could have then sold it and spent the money elsewhere! 
I know there will be lots of people who can spout theories to prove I am full of it but the only judge of the sound of your own system worth worrying about is yourself!
uberwaltz
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
1,219 posts
 
I have had every combo uiu can think of. An added flavor of not ,to sound 
Natural is thd goal.  Direct from a dac, or passive just gas No amplifier gain stage 
Which is essential for dynamics, especially J Der duress of a large orchestra 
The performers should always be rock solid and in place where all performers can be picked out. With passive it at times can be  unfocused  and the sound stage 
Indecisive.  Vacuum tube preamps are by far the best balanced  with a Solid State amp. Vacuum tubes gave their own distortions that are natural to thd ear 
Whrn a solid state devise starts to distort it is Odd harmonics and sharper to yhd ear. With Vacuum tube distortions are more Even harmonics  with bloom 
That is in mist cases appealing.  Fort a Solid state preamp to be warm with similar characteristics  to a tube  uding Mosfets,Bipolar  or other methods and normally  2-3 X the cost  on average, also with Vacuum tubes each brand gives a different sonic signature which then allows you to Taylor your system to your specific taste.

bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
Best preamp is no preamp.  Possibly but that all depends on the volume control and how that output from the source can be handled by the amplifier as mentioned above.  Most preamps have caps in the signal path so yes you are listening to the sound of the output resistors and the caps.  Many to choose from.  I build a preamp with no caps in the signal path and a multi- option switch to let you select the resistor for your system.  How do I choose what you like?  Anyway I have my preferences but they might not be yours.  Also not all preamps add distortion.  Some can really add space, air, placement, clarity, details around vocals and instruments.  Some can really add tone that you cannot get without using a preamp. 

Happy Listening.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
4,946 posts
 
And I agree with just about everybody here and appreicate them taking the time and trouble to comment as it helps my mindset somewhat.
I am fairly content with knowing that in my room, with my equipment listening to my music with my ears that my arc ls2 sounds good to me...lol
so much so that i have just bought a gold lion 6922 tube for it and will see how i like that sound, after all that was only $35...
happy listenings indeed!
hk_fan
314 posts
 
"What does this tell me?
That absolutely the ls preamp is adding its own sonic signature to the mix, in theory that equates to probably a more "dirty" sound but to me this was the sound I preferred."

I disagree.  What it tells you is that the volume control - i.e. PREAMP - in the Esoteric is not nearly as good as the ARC.  If anything, the signal after the Esoteric preamp is clipped and muddied in ways you probably can't even comprehend.

Most digital components that offer a "volume control" are thrown in as a ploy to get you to pony up thinking "hey I can save $$ by not needing a preamp".  There's no free lunch, and a good preamp is crucial to a high performance system IMO.  :)
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
George, Active preamps can also be fixing poor recordings

I don’t think so, the "perfect" active preamp is said to sound like a straight piece of wire, it should not add or take away from what the source is giving, but that perfect preamp is yet to be made.

Cheers George
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