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In Reply to: RE: Part of the issue is the massive gain of your preamp posted by Chip647 on January 07, 2021 at 18:15:38
It's been so many years now that everyone expected to be using a preamp and an amplifier. But maybe the whole idea of a "preamp" needs to be updated in a world where a 2v line signal is normal, and the only other need for gain is a phono stage.The word "preamp" literally means "pre" "amplification", but take away the need for gain and you get some kind of switching and a volume control. Maybe not even the switching if your DAC is the only input, and no volume control needed if the volume control is in software. No need for buffer even if your DAC is driving a tube amp.
I see loads of threads asking "what do I do about my extra gain" here and elsewhere, but it seems that many are still reluctant to move on from the idea of a preamp. Many say "the tubes add warmth" or something similar, but in that case the tubes should surely be in the amplifier?
Preamps live on but in many cases it's hard to see why or what they're doing that's useful.
Edits: 01/08/21 01/08/21Follow Ups:
I have digital sources, but with my own amps, I have need of some additional gain. Not a lot, but some. I happen to have a buffer linestage, and while it works quite well, the amps all appreciate a wee bit more signal input.
cheers,
Douglas
Friend, I would not hurt thee for the world...but thou art standing where I am about to shoot.
There was a period of time after I removed the CJ from my system that I just ran the output from the Directstream Jr straight into the Antares. Yes, it sounded good, but installing the VG lent substantially more "weight" to certain instruments, most notably a piano, and even at lower volumes. The VG made all the difference there. I have never before had my system reproduce lower frequencies with that kind of authority, even with the current Sylvania tubes, so I consider the preamp a worthwhile investment. As always, ymmv.
Andy,
"Unity gain" is (IMO) the key, when only digital sources are a factor. The control center can be either buffered or passive. While passive control centers can work well, they are inflexible. Short, low, capacitance cabling is a must. JMO, a highly transparent buffered control center is frequently the "best" choice.
As you stated, "vinyl" complicates the situation. Yes, I have a substantial investment in analog records and the associated equipment.
Eli D.
For its Passive and buffered modes. In buffer mode it uses a single 6SN7 tube. This unit is unity gain and all my sources have enough gain where the Saga doesn't run out of gas. My phono preamp has enough gain in MC mode so I can still play my LP's loud, that was my only concern when I first got the Saga. I still have never maxed out the volume control on it which is a multiple Relay/Resistor volume control.
This Saga Plus is most transparent controller/preamp buffer I have ever had in my system and that's using it in buffer mode where tube is used. It is even more transparent than the BAT VK-30 preamp I had. The only change I did to the Saga was changed out the Wima coupling caps and put in Jantzen Supreme Z caps. That one change made it even better sounding and more transparent. It also has quite a few inputs that I can connect all my Sources. I have no desire to go back to a regular preamp now that I know what I have been missing. :)
Nt.
Mark in NC
"The thought that life could be better is woven indelibly into our hearts and our brains" -Paul Simon
That's all. Would be nice if it also had the DAC built in, but as long as technology keeps changing that mix, it is not completely practical.
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