preampless?

default -- Thu, 01/22/2009 - 07:28

The exclusion of the preamp for a one source digital guy like me would yield in great savings and an overall system simplicity,and the savings could then be spent on buying better components for the rest of the system.
so those who have experiece with that matter please guide me on whether it would improve or compromise the overall system sound?

Steven Stone -- Thu, 01/22/2009 - 12:08

It all depends on how you intend to replace the preamp.

If you are going to use a DAC with a built-in volume control you need to find out how the volume control works. If it's an analog control it will be OK if you need to reduce the volume by half or more. If it is a digital control your distortion will go up and resolution will go down if you need to substantially attenuate the signal.

The other issue is whether the output circuitry of your DAC can successfully drive long lines and whether the input impedance of your power amp is a good match for the output circuit of the DAC.

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

Robert Harley -- Thu, 01/22/2009 - 18:03

I have a parallel system, one with a preamp and one with no preamp. Here's how it works. All my source components except the Berkeley Alpha DAC feed the Spectral DMC-30SS preamp, which drives the Spectral DMA-360 amplifiers. The Berkeley DAC, fed from a music server, drives the DMA-360s directly through a second set of interconnects. I switch interconnects on the back of the amplifier to hear the Berkeley.
If you don't need analog source switching, and choose a DAC that can drive a power amplifier directly, you can get better sound and substantial cost savings by going preamp-less.

falco (not verified) -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 06:55

thanks for your help Robert & Steven ,and I am really glad to hear that I'll get an overall better sound without the preamp.It's really good because it'll enable me to go for a more powerfull and better amp.
I know only three sacd players with a build in volume control:
1-the EMM Labs combo which I"ll be avoiding as it is almost replaced with the Dac2.
2-the Wadia i series which incorporate a digital volume control and according to Steven comment it"ll have a deteriorating effect on the sound at lower levels.
3-so it will leave with just one choice,as I'm keen to have SACD as well,namely the Lindemann 820S which has got an analouge control and they claim it to be able to drive all power amps even through long interconnects.
so please comment on my findings and introduce new cadidates I might have been unaware of.

Steven Stone -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 11:03

Wavelength's DACs can be ordered with analog volume controls. Also Grace (known for their mic preamps) also make a DAC with an analog volume.

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

falco (not verified) -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 11:13

but they wont be DSD compatible which is what I'm looking for.