2. amps-preamps
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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Like so many things he’s designed, it’s a quirky component with a narrow appeal.
It’s one of his pride and joys as he’s stated, and said it’s a wonder it hasn’t made him filthy rich, not that he’s not already.

Give him a break? You’re banging on as if this thing is audio divinity.
Your searching for anything to put it and him down, and nothing is correct, as I have to post what he says and has measured in published in specs, to counter now 3 times what **** you’ve said.
The reason you don't like it and keep putting *** on it, is because your F5 only has 15db of gain and you need a preamp or source with huge voltage gain, and this is not it. 

I WOULD RATHER BELIEVE HIM THAN YOU, AND THAT’S A FACT!

Cheers George
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
@georgehifi 
You look at the schematic and draw conclusions that don't reflect the reality of the circuit you're looking at. And then you make stupendous claims about how magical it is. There's no way to avoid the fact that anywhere on that ladder you're getting a mix of direct signal and gain signal. I'm glad you like it. I'm sure it sounds awesome if you give it just the right home. 
 The service manual clearly says .2% with .02% typical. I'm sure it's virtually all second harmonic because that's what single ended MOSFETs make, and I'll bet it's also negative phase distortion, too, which sounds really neat. That's still a lot of distortion and color and limits your amp options. 
I'm not sure why you keep bashing the 15dB of gain my amp has. I'd much rather make voltage gain in a pre-amp than a power amp. It's just a better place to do it for all kinds of reasons. 
jsm71
141 posts
 

To me the real benefit of a good active preamp is better dynamics, increased soundstage dimensions, better imaging, and (if tube based) having the ability to match tube choices that best mate with the speakers.

It was mentioned earlier in this thread, but +1 for LTA MZ2 preamp.  It does all of the above running dead quiet.  Its price and simple looks makes many think its a toy, but smile all the way to bank. 

mrdecibel
1,244 posts
 
" Like so many things he's designed, it's a quirky component with a  narrow appeal ". I honestly cannot believe this has been said. NP has shared with the diy community most of his designs, which were all labors of love, not to make a dime. Give me, and everyone else a break !
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
@mrdecibel 

Are you crazy? The man himself makes it clear that the FW amps are weird little amps with very narrow appeal and application. 
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