Preamps

Discussion in 'Preamps' started by sphinxvc, Sep 21, 2016.

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  1. winders

    winders boomer

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    I've been real fortunate with many of my purchases. Even the components I did not keep have been worthwhile since I have learned more about what I did and did not like in regards to sound. But you are absolutely correct in that "You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself".

    Like this?:

    [​IMG]

    ;)
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    LOL. You are so bad at this.
     
  3. winders

    winders boomer

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    Yes, I am!! I actually have talent....just in other areas! I did pick that meme because it was so bad.....
     
  4. Mshenay

    Mshenay Barred from loaner program. DON'T SEND ME GEAR.

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    I'm in this camp as well, I just got the OL Switch in today. An so far as my first functional pre-amp I have to say I'm very impressed, and I actually use the 3.5mm in just as much as I have the RCA. Though I did grab a nice BJC rca male to 1/8 male cable in the event that I need to use two RCA inputs

    So hopefully, when time arrives for me to over haul my entire desktop rig I'll have equal enjoyment from the Schiit Saga!
     
  5. Meatball

    Meatball New

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    @winders in future maybe not enjoy your stereo in ways unsanctioned by @k4rstar
    hahahaha


    nikolatesla
     
  6. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    There's probably something even worse. Not by much though :)
     
  7. Shardnax

    Shardnax New

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    I should be fine pairing a SYS with a Parasound HCA-2200mk2, correct?

    This is intended to be a temporary setup until I can afford a preamp with more inputs for convenience sake.
     
  8. Dino

    Dino Friend

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  9. pandather

    pandather Acquaintance

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    Hey guys, I'm looking to build an unbalanced passive pre-amp. (I can't really find what I need, and I just don't have the money for a powered buffer currently) I need 2 inputs and 2 outputs where I can switch between both ins and outs along with volume control. A remote would be nice but not necessary. Currently the AMB delta1+delta2+LCDuino-1 is what seems best to me. However, I also see the DIY kit of this: https://www.tortugaaudio.com/product/ldr3-v25k-passive-preamp-kit/ What would you guys recommend? I'd look into making it balanced for future proofing if it would work with my single ended gear.
     
  10. mrflibble

    mrflibble Friend

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    The Schiit Saga would be an obvious candidate. It is well regarded around here. Has stepped relay attenuator, multiple inputs and outputs, remote control, passive mode, single ended only. Good value but backordered in USA at the moment.

    There is also Luminous Audio and their Axiom Preamps but they are much more costly.

    Don't have personal experience of either, unfortunately.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2018
  11. pandather

    pandather Acquaintance

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    I was really wanting to like the Saga, but from what I can tell (correct me if I'm wrong that'd be awesome), it's not possible to toggle between it's outputs. I loved how my Asgard 2 worked (when unplug headphones and it plays out the pre-amp output w/ volume control) but it just doesn't sound as good with the HD800s as the MCTH does.
     
  12. m17xr2b

    m17xr2b Friend

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    A word of warning on the Saga, for me at least the 64 steps are not enough as I find myself wanting something in between the clicks most of the time. I guess this depends on the amp but it's something to consider.
     
  13. mrflibble

    mrflibble Friend

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    Yeah, I think you probably correct about not being able to select the output, I just had another look at the specs and manual. Perhaps it has been covered in the Saga thread? Or maybe one of the others could confirm, @atomicbob maybe?

    Curiously, it is back in stock now. I could have sworn it was backordered an hour ago. Either that or I'm going round the twist!

    Edit: Ah, It's Jotunheim that's backordered not Saga.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2018
  14. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Both outputs are active at all times.
     
  15. MrTeaRex

    MrTeaRex His head's not fat, he's my brother!

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    I'm not sure of your budget, but if you're comfortable with DIY in the range of the Tortuga kits, it might be worth considering a TVC as an option. I have the same Silk STA-522A transformers used in the kit below in a different TVC and have been impressed with the results. The Mini kit option appears to offer switchable RCA/XLR inputs and outputs for a little less than the price of the Tortuga kit.

    http://shop.diyhifisupply.com/product/django-tvc-preamp/
     
  16. winders

    winders boomer

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    Which is typical for most of the preamps out there.
     
  17. Cakecake

    Cakecake Guest

    I recently acquired a rather expensive 4P1L DHT pre-amp +pioneer m-22 and kind of disappointed it didn’t give huge 3d holographic stage. Something that did better compare to Saga.
    - very smooth sound
    - better defined, alittle more bass, especially sub-bass.
    - more coherent imaging.
    - probably same level of detail (hard to assess because i think saga makes you think it has more detail but they are all diffuse but the tube brings them together in focus so theres less diffuse detail all over which may seem like less overall detail)
    - more 3d sound but mot really, more like 2.2d.

    Am I reasonable expecting huge 3d soundstage out of pre-amp or is this more dependent on room treatment with bass traps like 1st reflection points?
    I guess I am not sure what the charateristics of a well designed DHT preamp is vs bad one.
     
  18. Priidik

    Priidik MOT: Estelon

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    What was the system that satisfied your 3D needs?
     
  19. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Incoming noob question seeking answers from more intelligent beings:

    Impedance matching of pre and power amps
    As far as I've always known it, the general rule of impedance matching was your output impedance of your preamp should be at minimum 1/10, preferably 1/20, of the input impedance of the power amp.

    Preferable scenario: Pre OI: 1000ohms, Power II: 20,000 ohms

    Is this correct?

    Now the other question, is there a point where the impedance matching is so small that it becomes a problem? For example, 1/200 or Pre OI: 1000ohms, Power II: 200,000 ohms.

    Is this scenario still considered ideal, doesn't matter passed a certain point, a hindrance?

    TIA.
     
  20. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Anyone have experience with Aric Audio? He's a smaller outfit but getting popular. His internal work is incredible and quality parts used throughout. But a bunch of expensive parts doesn't necessarily mean good sound.

    I mostly follow him on FB and he's a gem to chat with. Of the few impressions I can find, they are all very positive...

    https://www.facebook.com/AricAudioSystems/
     

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