#101
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
it also added more volume for some reason which I do not understand, perhaps the M51 does not have enough voltage or incorrect voltage for the amps i have to choose from. Without the pre I was able to take the M51 volume to 10 (0 been the highest on it before it attenuates itself) no problems but with the pre in the chain and the M51 set to locked volume, i cant go past half on the pre, in fact half it too loud for where i currently live unless its for a sneaky blast for a minute or so. I am not well versed in the technical nitty gritty so i am not able to use audio terms but in my case it does indeed make a difference and in a good way however like all things audio related i think it will be system dependent so my advice is to test with and with out and see what your ears tell you. Note: my sources are a MacAir connected via USB and a CDP connected via coax to the DAC and a Squeezebox Touch connected by RCA to the Pre. Hope this helps and best of luck with your journey Last edited by essjay; 01-20-2013 at 06:27 AM. |
#102
|
|||
|
|||
I went from a Mcintosh C220 pre amp to using the variable output of my MCD500 for awhile and there was a "difference" . I was running the MCD500/MC501's as a fully balanced system and while there was a lot detail and quiet background there was something missing compared to when I added the C2300 pre amp back that replaced the c220. The C2300 added a "lushness" or warmth back to the music while at the same time not losing detail. The pre amp also gave me tone controls and a excellent MC phono stage which allowed me to enjoy and build upon my vinyl collection. If you can't swing a pre amp at first use the variable output of your cdp and wait until you can afford a good pre amp.
|
#103
|
|||
|
|||
Twice I’ve tried the no pre-amp route. Once back around 1990. I used a “Mod Squad LineDrive” passive device. It was very sterile. I tried again in early part of this century, well kinda. I used a Adcom GFP 750 full function pre-amp which has a passive mode switch. The same results. The Adcom 750 was known as a very benign device adding very little coloration yet providing good functionality. From there I did a complete 180 and jumped head first into tubes and all that lush coloration, BIG Smile!
On topic: Not long ago I sold a pair of VTL 300 mono blocks. A tire kicker came by the house and wanted to test drive them. Not wanting to deal with my racked gear I connected my iPhone/iTunes directly to the amps. WOW it sounded pretty darn good. |
#104
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Last edited by thesaint519; 06-21-2014 at 11:13 PM. |
#105
|
||||
|
||||
Ray.......I came to that same conclusion after a number of attempts to like digital players and DAC's driving my power amps directly. I much prefer my systems with a preamp in the signal path.
__________________
Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#106
|
|||
|
|||
This is a never ending journey with plateaus of discovery from time to time. I'm just glad to know that I'm still moving forward. Another step toward audio nirvana .
|
#107
|
|||
|
|||
IMHO, there is always a preamp elsewhere in the chain : either in the source either in the amp either the preamp itself of course.
So the debate would be "with or without a dedicate preamp". I personally think a preamp allows the amp work optimally, the sound is much less stressed or soft. From the output of a source, the sound is in general more accurate, fast but it sounds harder. From a pratical point of view, a dedicate preamp allows more connexions, and protects the speakers from blowing (e.g. the volume is set at maximum level) |
#108
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |