Bypass preamp, better sound, yet fatiguing?

Hgabert,

Maybe I interpreted your original post incorrectly. You stated that without the preamp you are experiencing greater detail.

But is it possible that you are using the term fatiguing when perhaps boring could be more appropriate?

Generally, fatiguing occurs with ears bleeding, overly bright, or beaming, or anything else that causes the ear to dodge certain sounds or frequencies.

Boring is like elevator music where it may seem soothing and pleasing at first but after a time, the lack of dynamics tends to make one fall asleep?

-IMO

I will have to agree with Hgabert here Stehno, I have the same fatigue "problem" running my DAC direct into the amps.
which you described correctly "ears bleeding, overly bright, or beaming, or anything else that causes the ear to dodge certain sounds or frequencies."

I had some firends "audio buddies" over last night with a tubed preamp which stated exactly the same views, fatigue... saying details shouldnt be at the same volume as main instruments, we added the tube preamp (high quality DIY) and while they loved it, I hated it, all detail was gone the voices were harsh and soundstage was all muddled in the center...well a bigger center image yes, but less everything else...

Impedance matching should not be the question here since my DAC has an output impedance of 50 ohms and my Stepped resistor attenuator has 1k input impedance, the rule states 10 times the output impedance which makes it 500 ohms, to 1k I am at 20 times...

I have tried a lot of tricks because I am getting hooked on this transparency thing...I changed most resistors in my amps to Tantalum which leaves detail and no harshness but takes away the edge...I need at least a little silver on my cables to get the highs I like...the less the better.
I have an Isolation transformer which could run the whole house, for my audio only, 220V to 110V, getting rid of the ground and that helps with harshness...
I will try to Isolate the digital sources also...thanks for the tip!

I found that a very good SS preamp was detailed and dynamic very enjoyable, but the direct option is "HIPNOTIC" just a bunch of music and details surrounding you!!

I am thinking a well implemented buffer stage like Placette active or the First Sound preamps will do the trick!
Anyone heard them?

I am thinking a well implemented buffer stage like Placette active or the First Sound preamps will do the trick!
Anyone heard them?
Jsadurni  (Answers)

I owned a First Sound Presence Deluxe II in a system with an APL Denon 3910, VAC Phi 110/110 and Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE.

The First Sound is very transparent, dynamic, extended and it's quite neutral for a tubed preamp. I preferred running the APL through it than going direct to the VAC amp.

Jsadurni, I wasn't necessarily making a statement in my last post. I was really seeking clarification on his use of the term fatiguing by asking Hgabert a question.

But if we're talking a truly ear-fatiguing sound that can cause the 'ears to bleed', then (assuming the tweeters are of good quality), in my experience the biggest culprit by far is improper or no line conditioning and secondly ics and scs that induce much time-smear causing a digital-like grain or hash in the highs and a bloated, ill-defined bass.

Since you say you are experiencing this ear-bleeding problem, would you care to share what line conditioners, ics, and scs you are using?

-IMO

Hello Tvad, I guess the First sound with the APL dennon would have been great! Did you have the H attenuator?
May I ask what is your CD source and preamp today?

Hello Stehno, I wasnt trying to make it sound like a statement but it was really describing the sound qualities I am running away from (or trying to!).

I am using Gabriel Gold ics which I find to be "low" on mids, I also tried Blue heavens, Transparent link, Siltech.
I am using either original Cabasse very short scs from my tubed mono amps, or DIY with a bunch of small diameter varnish coated copper cables per run and a pair of Audio Consulting silver wires, probably one too many....
I found longer cables to get in the way, either too bright or too blocked. Short speaker cables sounded right straight away...

I am using as I said an Isolation transformer which runs on two live 110 volts line (220 volts) and turns to 110 live and ground, thus isolating my system from the street ground.
Dedicated power line of course, and Leviton computer grade outlets. 12 awg Varnish coated power cable with pure cotton shield.

Leak TL12.1 Class A 12 watts tube mono amps which have a nice full body into Cabasse Catalane loudspeakers which I find to be faster and more dynamic than my Lowthers DX3...

I would not blame the tweeters for the Fatiguing sound mainly everything is to blame here very clear dynamic mids, punchy bass, and yes extended highs.

Today I made a test of running my system directly from the wall (mainly because of this thread) and the sound was very different, not so agressive or fatiguing but much less transparent.

Any advice is well recieved....thanks!

PS
I am loving my system without preamp....BTW.