2. amps-preamps
  3. 140146-108796

What will a preamp do for me?

Missing in the chain below is a preamp - I use the DAC to control volume.  This is my only source and will be for some time.  What could I gain by adding a preamp?

I have Thiel CS 2.3s driven by a BAT VK-55, sourced by PS Audio PW DAC, with bridge II, mostly tidal.  The DAC serves as a preamp in terms of volume control.  Mostly Audioquest cables, amp power cord is Cardas Clear m, all fed by PS Audio upc-200.

I am am hoping to improve the highs, which sometimes sound smeared, too much sibilance; would like more air and clarity.  Loud rock sounds flatter, less dynamic than I’d like.  I am not willing to give up the deep detailed and beautifully resonant mids.  Willing to spend up to $3000, used is ok.  Totally balanced is a must.  Not currently willing to entertain the idea of different speakers - my goal is to make the 2.3s sound as good as reasonably possible before moving on to other speakers.  It’s easy to find a really good preamp in this price range, so much so I am almost paralyzed by the choices.  Aesthetix , Ayre, ARC, several BAT, Parasound and more all have apparently excellent models in my price range.  Patience would put Atma-sphere and PS Audio within reach.  Which is best for my situation?  There’s no way to audition all of these, how could I avoid getting on a preamp merry-go-round?  Or should I spend my money elsewhere?
thosb
gosta's avatar
gosta
202 posts
 
Just discovered.
Elac Alchemy DDP-1. From their new digital serie. May be of interest.
Combine with streamer DMP-1. Has AES output which could be led
directly to pro monitors with digital input. Becoming rather common.
afmartucci
9 posts
 
Basically a preamp will make whatever a DAC does, but better. A preamp is a must have item in any hi end system. I was not enjoying my system and messing around so many things trying not to expend money on a preamp. I was partially convinced to buy a preamp. I did then bought a used hi end one. That was amazing. That was the best improvement I did I my system. Sounds were then clearer, better played. I think it is a good improvement you can do for your system. Today, if I had to start a new system, that would be my first bought. That is the brain of your system. The amp is the heart and the speakers are the legs.
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
There's talk of not using a pre-amp because you don't need an extra gain stage. Hate to break it to ya, but a pre-amp gain stage is generally a better gain stage than a power amp gain stage. You can better optimize the power supply and it's an electrically quieter and easier environment to manage since you're not piping huge currents all over the place. It makes better sense to use an amp with as little gain as you can get away with and get as much voltage gain out of the pre-amp as you can. That is a valid approach some people take. With enough voltage gain in the pre-amp all you need is an impedance converting power amp with zero gain just to provide the current to drive a load. It's a good way to shield your voltage gain stage from the ugly world of reactive loads. 
colin44ct357's avatar
colin44ct357
105 posts
 
I rework retro for a living, most of todays preamps have 3 or 4 op amps usually nec5532's, popping a brown may help.Now real preamps should have a pcb full of top end analog components..not a single caterpillar (ic) as an old valve mate from the uk explained to me..
colin44ct357's avatar
colin44ct357
105 posts
 
Elizabeth...sounds like you are having fun...enjoy!How many toys do you have, 20/50/+++ I would love to see a pic of your systems!
More to discover