active speakers

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default -- Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:32

Hi,
I have active speakers beolab 8000 and beolab 6000. Currently I am using directly one pair with squeezebox duet & the other with ipod but sound is just about ok. I have read that preamp can improve the sound drastically. Pls advise whether I shd go in for an preamp like cyrus etc

VS (not verified) -- Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:33

Robert Harley -- Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:51

It's likely that the analog output amplifiers in your Squeezebox and iPod cannot adequately drive the active loudspeakers. I suggest that you try adding a preamplifier to your system.

VS (not verified) -- Sat, 01/03/2009 - 02:53

Will it make a considerable difference as all preamps are pretty steep ? Ur reply is appreciated.
Any else using active speakers with preamp ?
rgds

Steven Stone -- Sat, 01/03/2009 - 10:16

I have often run active speakers in my desktop system and have often visited J. Gordon Holt who uses active ATC speakers.

Most of the time an active preamp (one that adds gain) is unnecessary with active systems.

The NHT 00 system actually comes with a passive preamp who's only function is to reduce gain.

But if you are using a long interconnect run between the SB and iPod and your amps, you may need some sort of active or buffered line driver to eliminate signal loss induced by the long line between the source and your active speakers.

I would also try using an external DAC (with volume controls if necessary) with your squeezebox to see how that changes the sound.

Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications