Cut out the Preamp and go Direct?

UltraFast69

UltraFast69

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Hello to AS


With no plans for phono, or other analog sources I am trying to figure out if directly connecting a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC to an amp and bypassing the preamp will yield the same or possibly better sound?


Since primarily playing Tidal through Direct Stream and SACDs through Memory Player, it was mentioned the preamp essentially becomes an expensive master volume knob when can be controlled directly through the DAC.


What are the gains and what are losses?
 
Have you personally tried hooking up your Directstream to your MC452?

Sure you can do it and some prefer direct, while some, like me, still prefer a preamp in the system. Direct may give you a quieter sound with more perceived detail but with that, for me, comes a bit of harshness and lack of musicality. A preamp will round out the sound a little but add so much more. I've tried my dacs direct and while I like it at first, I soon tire of the combo. I add back a preamp and the magic returns.
 
In the past I have tried going direct but have always gone back to using a separate pre-amp. Depending on which iteration of my system the direct connection did seem to add a bit of immediacy to the sound but cost a little detail and occasionally musicality. I could see where some might come up with a different opinion.
 
UltraFast69 said:
Hello to AS


With no plans for phono, or other analog sources I am trying to figure out if directly connecting a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC to an amp and bypassing the preamp will yield the same or possibly better sound?


Since primarily playing Tidal through Direct Stream and SACDs through Memory Player, it was mentioned the preamp essentially becomes an expensive master volume knob when can be controlled directly through the DAC.


What are the gains and what are losses?
Click to expand...

You might bet interested in a digital pre-amplifer then. Check out the McIntosh D1100.
 
joeinid said:
Have you personally tried hooking up your Directstream to your MC452?

Sure you can do it and some prefer direct, while some, like me, still prefer a preamp in the system. Direct may give you a quieter sound with more perceived detail but with that, for me, comes a bit of harshness and lack of musicality. A preamp will round out the sound a little but add so much more. I've tried my dacs direct and while I like it at first, I soon tire of the combo. I add back a preamp and the magic returns.
Click to expand...

me too, tried it loads of times . I could release a lot of cash if I sold my pre amp but using dac direct to amps is detailed and livable but not for too long
 
still-one said:
In the past I have tried going direct but have always gone back to using a separate pre-amp. Depending on which iteration of my system the direct connection did seem to add a bit of immediacy to the sound but cost a little detail and occasionally musicality. I could see where some might come up with a different opinion.
Click to expand...

Same as above.

Welcome UltraFast69.

I also think finding a world class preamp is harder than people think.

IMHO, it's ARC, Ayre and VAC as the top dogs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
UltraFast69.......I have made the comparison between using a preamp and going direct to amplifiers with several systems. I tried it with a McIntosh MCD500 and MC501's, a MCD1100 and MC601's, and an Esoteric K-03 and MC2301's. In all instances my initial impression was a bit more detail going direct, but as time progressed I discovered listener fatigue crept in. The performance of those three player/DAC's lost a sense of musicality, emotional involvement, and my ability to listen for an extended period of time. Returning the preamplifiers to the systems, a McIntosh C2300, a C1000C/T, and a C1000C/P, the systems regained my complete attention and pleasure. There is much more to the existence of a preamplifier in the signal path than simply providing an analog volume control. Naturally, my experiences may not be yours, but after three different attempts to achieve a degree or two of additional performance from multiple systems I have satisfied my curiosity and will keep the preamplifiers in the signal path.
 
The DS always works best with BHK Preamp. I have both and the synergy is lot better than going direct. Also check the PS Audio forum for details.
 
It's funny because Paul says the best pre is no pre. I use a PS DS and go direct to my amps, but can't tell you if it is better as I don't have a pre.
 
JGlacken said:
It's funny because Paul says the best pre is no pre. I use a PS DS and go direct to my amps, but can't tell you if it is better as I don't have a pre.
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I recall that Paul's position was originally as you stated, but then his preference changed once they developed their BHK preamp which he found to sound better than direct.
 
Another vote for a good preamp. I have tried direct and with a preamp and preamp wins. But not with the specific equipment you mentioned.
 
I really don't give much credence to whats for sell on the gon. Like there are over 15 Bryston amps for sell. 2 Ayre VX-5 Twenties, or 8 PS Audio Direct Stream DACS. Does that say something is not right with the product(s) or is it people are upgrading or dealers are just clearing inventory. .
 
Paul used Aesthetix Calypso pre before they developed the DS DAC. With DS he found it to sound better going direct. With BHK, the combo sounded much better. I played with DS for a while going direct to the amp when I had the Cary slp-05 Pre. After getting the BHK, the combo indeed sounds better to my ears as well.
 
Mike said:
To my point earlier, there's better.

Similarly priced LS28 and Ayre KX-5 Twenty for example.


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Click to expand...

Agree, there are much better pre for more price but not the LS28. I borrowed one from my friend and don't think its remotely close to what I get from the BHK. Maybe its the system dependent thingy...:rolleyes:
 
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