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Message started by AMerePerson on 11/29/23 at 01:54:55

Title: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by AMerePerson on 11/29/23 at 01:54:55

Hi everyone, new here and wanted to ask about the benefits of a preamp when I mostly stream digital music (I'm in my mid 20s, so I'm not super seasoned)

I know preamps are used for Vinyl, where the turntable output is quieter than a digital DAC, so it's useful to add some gain there.

In a digital system though, would a preamp just be for creature comforts like a remote control and input selection? Obviously a tube preamp could add some tube magic as well.

I have a solid state monoblock system, with just my laptop as input so I think it'd be redundant to add more power amps, since switching between them would require a lot of disconnecting and reconnecting. I'm wondering if a preamp would be a good way to play around with tube sound for both my speaker and headphone setups.

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by Doug on 11/29/23 at 13:39:32

Yes, a preamp can be beneficial in numerous ways…..sorry, I don’t have time to delineate at this moment. I, too, have an all digital system, and cannot imagine being without my CSP3!

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by JMeader on 11/29/23 at 15:40:58

A pre-amp is more than just a switch. Generally its increased gain which provides positive impact for sound stage and overall sound depth.

In addition it provides a way to drive s subwoofer in a 2.1 system.
or volume control

For $850 you can experience an entry level pre-amp which is highly rated

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-n

Enjoy the music

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by Yakatak on 12/15/23 at 02:25:00

Or a Zstage.

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by 1stwattlife on 07/10/24 at 20:45:29

+1 on the ZStage comment ;)

The short answer is YES.

Although conceptually a phono pre-stage is much like a pre-amp, it is more like a pre-pre-amp. A phono section (phono+phono stage) can be used without a pre-amp, but not with out the phono stage. They are different. While accomplishing the same thing in boosting signal amplitude the phono stage only boosts to line voltage ( about 2V, generally, I think). Any boost in amplitude needed after that would be added by a pre-amp before being sent to an amp.

That being said...

If you can add some "tube magic" to your signal path it should add a touch of the magic to your sound, though obviously the way to get tube sound is from tube amplification. A little is (IMO) better than none. After a full tube listening experience I knew I could not live without it. I added a ZRock to my vintage solid state setup and was immediately glad I did. To be fair, I prefer a Zstage, which doesn't employ the sound shaping the ZRock uses, but the ZRock is excellent for taking away the thinness of digital signals.

Can I ask what your signal chain consists of? Are you using usb-> DAC-> amp?

I love conversations like this... I will be honest and say that I thought I had already applied to this thread... at least I noticed... LOL... I can't take me anywhere.

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by timothyferriss on 08/12/24 at 04:49:12

While a preamp may not be strictly necessary for a digital system, it can still offer benefits in terms of sound Tunnel Rush quality, convenience, and flexibility.

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by Geno on 08/12/24 at 16:56:52

Be gone, shithook!!!

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by CAJames on 08/12/24 at 20:01:02

I share your frustration Geno, but you understand timothyferriss is a bot, not a real person, right?

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by Geno on 08/12/24 at 20:16:04

Hey James.

Actually, no I did not realize that.

Made me feel good anyway [smiley=tunes29.gif]

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by CAJames on 08/12/24 at 20:59:52

Nothing wrong with that

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by MikeinMontana on 08/13/24 at 01:01:35

We use an Oppo 103 Bluray player as an input into the Zen. Man it works and sounds like a champ . Love the remote for volume control too! Not seen as a preamp though I suppose....

Title: Re: Newbie asking about preamps
Post by Bilyeaux on 08/13/24 at 22:22:18

Ive got CA’s ARC Preamp and love it, multiple gain settings to play with to fine tune! Thanks Man! Was looking at the ZP3 just couldn’t afford it, love the balanced set up through to my UFO….

Randall