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Pre Amp Or Not

125.237.73.3
Posted on April 26, 2015 at 23:11:02
frequentflyer
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: New Zealand
Joined: July 1, 2003
 Hi

I am at a decision point but it seems I cant see the wood for the trees.

My present amplifier is a LSA Statement Integrated.

I have a friend who is selling a First Sound Presence Audio Line Stage Deluxe which I used to own many years ago.

I have a Reimyo Transport & DAC Front End and Sonus Faber Guarneris Homage ( Originals ) along with all the usual tweaks and cables.

I should also mention I run a Whise Profunda 319A Sub which because the LSA is an integrated I am having to run piggy back from the amplifier speaker connections

My Dilemma

Do I go for a pre amp or stick with what I have?

Decisions Decisions!

Any help from those more technically blessed than myself would be most appreciated

Cheers
FF

 

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RE: Pre Amp Or Not, posted on April 27, 2015 at 06:17:23
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I'm a tad confused??? You have an integrated amp. That should already have a preamp in it.

Is your problem that you have no low level output for the subwoofer?

 

RE: Pre Amp Or Not, posted on April 27, 2015 at 07:50:33
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 REL recommends to use speaker outs for their subs. Speaker out to a sub usually works just fine. That said your integrated is a beauty as is the pre you are considering (dual mono, stepped attenuator no potentiometer, external PS etc.)

If I were to get that pre I'd sell the LSA and get a power amp to go with it, but that's me. What is your goal here? I just looked at the owners manual and the LSA has variable line out and main in so you can hook up the sub either way;line or speaker level.


E
T

ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: Pre Amp Or Not, posted on April 27, 2015 at 14:13:51
frequentflyer
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: New Zealand
Joined: July 1, 2003
 Hi
Sorry I should have been more clearer in my post.

Yes the output from the LSA pre amp section is too low to drive the powered sub I have.

What I was hoping for advice on was how good or bad is the LSA Statement pre amp section and looking at the law of diminishing returns would I get a sonic improvement and if so how much of one by installing a seperate pre amp and using just the LSA's power amp section.

Going for an additional pre amp would incur the cost of purchasing the pre amplifier as well as having to purchase an extra power cable, interconnect and an extra shelf for my rack or amp stand.

Thanks for the replies so far, they are much appreciated.

 

RE: Pre Amp Or Not, posted on April 27, 2015 at 16:08:33
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Ah I see. I would first try tapping off your speakers. There is a very simple voltage reduction circuit you can built to tap off your speakers into the low level input of your plate amp.

I'll look it up.

If you go the preamp route you are going to have to re-invent your system. Do you like your present setup or are you looking for a change?

charles

 

RE: Pre Amp Or Not, posted on April 27, 2015 at 17:38:06
frequentflyer
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: New Zealand
Joined: July 1, 2003
 Hi Charles

To be truthful I think in my case it is a bit of audio paranoia setting in as I have just sent my Reimyo DAP-999EX DAC back to Reimyo to have it upgraded to the latest limited edition spec which then set me wondering if after having that done would my limitng factor ( the weak link in the chain )be the LSA pre amp section.

Cheers

 

RE: Pre Amp Or Not, posted on April 28, 2015 at 06:49:02
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 It sounds like you're your current setup is not fulfilling your musical tastes.

My advice is to try the preamp and go for it.

Can you patch the new preamp into the amp section of your current integrated? if so give it a try and see if the new preamp has "good bones".

Then take it from there.

I did take my own advice. bought a hybrid tube/SS Conrad Johnson preamp for my NAD and it worked out BETTER than I expected. Sometimes less is more.
charles

 

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