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Does Running Your Music Sources Through Two Pre-amps Deteriate The Sound ???

67.72.98.82
Posted on November 5, 2009 at 10:21:36
Vinylly
 My 300B SET amp is integrated with a front end preamp. However, it does not have a phono preamp.
As a result, I'm using the phono input on my AI Mod IIIA then out to the tape input on the 300B.
I'm also connecting my CDP to the tape input on my AI Mod IIIA and out to the 300B.
So, I'm using both preamps. I can't determine by listening if there is a deteriation of sound but it seems that there should be. Am I correct?

You don't have to run both through the preamp, posted on November 6, 2009 at 03:57:10
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 8435
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 Attach one IC cable from your CD output to your integrated CD input (or any line input). That means the signal from your CD player will go through your integrated's preamp, just as it should. You don't need to pass it through 2 preamps. Connect your analogue source as you indicated, assuming that hooking it to the tape-in will avoid the gain stage of the integrated's preamp.


"What did the Romans ever do for us?"
A couple of thngs, posted on November 5, 2009 at 15:51:16
Awe-d-o-file
Manufacturer

Posts: 6093
Location: 2 hr. west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I understand the need to use the phono stage but use the tape out (independent of the volume controls) not the preamp out. I would hook the CDP to the SET integrated though. Also there may be an issue with the AI in that it may invert phase from one or the other of its outputs. Check the manual. I think the pre out is inverted, the tape out is not. Good luck.


ET



Question "Authority", the mainstream media sucks - Go Independent and hold BOTH parties accountable instead of just the other guys!

I need music to help forget the reality of today
Using two can't possibly improve the sound...(nt), posted on November 5, 2009 at 11:31:24
mkuller
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Posts: 15929
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 28, 2003
 (nt)

If you use a full featured preamp in the manner described by KnobSpinner (below), posted on November 5, 2009 at 13:21:17
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 11876
Location: Toronto, Canada
Joined: November 22, 2003
 you're basically using it as a standalone phono stage in which case using two preamps doesn't apply.
Everything matters, don't forget to tweak your placebos!
RE: If you use a full featured preamp in the manner described by KnobSpinner (below), posted on November 5, 2009 at 16:53:46
KT88
Dealer

Posts: 4830
Location: Roanoke VA
Joined: October 5, 2001
 That's right. No linestage gain is being used so it is only the phono gain and EQ, which is necessary. The trick is to use the tape outputs and not the preamp outputs. Using the preamp outputs into another preamp will usually muddle things.
-Bill

RE: Does Running Your Music Sources Through Two Pre-amps Deteriate The Sound ???, posted on November 5, 2009 at 10:37:47
KnobSpinner
Audiophile

Posts: 13
Location: Rural Washington State
Joined: August 13, 2009
 I would think the preferred method would be to connect your TT to the preamp that has the phono stage. Then connect the tape output to one of the inputs of your integrated amp. This should bypass any gain stage in your phono pre amp and deliver the phono stage output to your integrated amp. Your other sources should go direct to the integrated amp.

You may need to try a regular input and the tape input to see which one matches the output of the phono preamp best.
(Worshiping at the Universal Music Altar)
Sometimes, two preamp line stages can yield magic..., posted on November 5, 2009 at 15:43:30
Interstage Tranny
Audiophile

Posts: 1403
Location: Eastern
Joined: October 4, 2006
 Those who do not believe this have not tried it. Think of the broadcasting and sound studio world, folks. Do we have any idea how many matching &/or interstage transformers or gain stages have been used ? Does it matter if it still sounds good ?

First thing is first. TRUST YOUR EARS !...............................

I've tried it in reverse, posted on November 6, 2009 at 06:15:23
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 9838
Location: Central boonies
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Using my preamp for the high output CDP narrows the soundstage and loses resolution. I bypass it altogether and use attenuators instead. The preamp is used for the vinyl source where it is truly needed.

Do we have any idea how many matching &/or interstage transformers or gain stages have been used ?

Good point. Clearly, my better sounding recordings are those that do not use armies of devices. Telarc and Windham Hill are two labels in my collection who choose a minimalist approach to great benefit.


rw

RE: I agree, posted on November 6, 2009 at 02:18:27
benie
Audiophile

Posts: 1050
Location: B.C. Canada
Joined: October 24, 2004
 Sometimes 2 certainly can have some Magic to it.
When I upgraded to a better preamp (same brand) I thought I would sell my older one. I also knew I would have to take a hit in the price as it wasn't a Big name Brand and I would have to wait for the right buyer.

So I asked the designer if I could run 2 or them together. He said yes and said to experiment with either one placed ahead of the other, but the small tube one (6922) will most likely be better first and then the bigger tube one (6SN7).

He was right, I was shocked at how it improved things, it was like there was alot more info in the soundstage.
I seen him a few days letter and told him I really liked it with both preamps. He smiled and said "it does sound, good doesn't it, now if you sell your preamp, you will be desperate for awhile.

He was certainly right, a few months later I had the preamp at a friends for a week as I was going to sell it. Changed my mind when it was out of my system and didn't sell it. Just made to much of an improvement.
I run my Dac into my first preamp (XLR input) and then my first preamp into my second on (XLR input), all true balanced connections.

YMMV

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