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I know the RWA Sig 30 comes with a high quality DACT CDT-2 attenuator, but I've also read many reviews/posts where this amp is mated with a preamp. Is there a reason for this (other then switching capabilities)? Basically, my question is: Can this amp be used without a preamp?
Follow Ups:
I'm currently in the 30 day eval period and I'd say my experiences compare pretty much with the others. I'm using it with B&W N805s and I think it needs the boost of a preamp (tubes in my case) to come alive but it's ok without it. I used to own a Creek 4330 (passive integrated) and my feelings were similar (passives are a bit bland).For the eval, I'm comparing it to an old Eico (EL34 tubes) and it sounds similar. The Eico has more bass impact but is not as tight and in the midrange it's tough to beat the warmth and body of tubes. But in the detail department, the Sig-30 can be outstanding at times and as BobMc noted, for some reason average at other times.
Like tubes, it seems to take 30 minutes or so of warmup to sound it's best. Not for sure, but it seems to lose some fullness in the lower mids and below after being on for a while (more than 8 hours?) Anyone else noticed this?
A correction to my last post where I referred to (and misquoted) BobMc's comments on detail which were actually in a previous post http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/t.mpl?f=amp&m=108912 In that post BobMc discusses issues with dynamics, not detail. I guess my experiences are similar, my terminology perhaps different. Detail around instruments and subtle sounds are certainly better with the Sig-30 vs the Eico but sometimes I feel the overall presentation from the Eico seems more "real" It's the not the hyperreal thing, I owned a PS Audio HCA for a while and that was on the hyper side. Rather its likely more of the general strength of tubes in the soundstage dept.
Anyway, my apologies for misquoting, guess I've been listening to the Sig-30 a bit too long tonight and it's time to recharge those batteries. :-)
Yes it can but with only with one source and it can't be phono. Reasons for a pre, other than switching as you said, would be to change the voicing of your system to make it sweeter or dryer, mellower or more dynamic, whatever makes you happy. It's a great amp.
I'm using the RWA Sig 30 with pre. I tried without and I just find that the passive volume control lacks the microdynamics and tonal heft, depth and texture of an active tube pre. Adding the pre loses a bit of high-end detail. I find the RWA to be an amazing amp with or without a pre. It will depend on your listening preferences which you prefer. But it can definitely go either way.
Bob
At www.audiocircle.com Vinnie has his own forum and checks in daily.
According to the web-site…it has a built-in attenuator, so technically, you don’t need a separate or another preamp. However, some find adding an one can improve or alter the presentation.
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