No BS pre amp

1246

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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    The analog power supply of the DAC chip must be an ultra low-noise design or the chip itself won't exhibit ultra-low noise. Noise degrades dynamic range. Low noise power supplies are expensive to implement and in my case, add much heat. A vented enclosure is a must. Add high quality output with low noise power supplies and the signal leaves the DAC with the quietest and most dynamic signal to be amplified.

    Rich,

    What impact would "regenerated" AC (such as the PS Audio Power Plant) have on your circuit as described? Could a less elaborate power supply topology be employed?

    I've mentioned before, undoubtedly to a chorus of rolled eyes, my Power Plant is the best audio expenditure I've made in 45+ years as an enthusiast. I can only judge what I actually hear, and it is a night/day difference in noise floor. It lets all the other aspects of the sound reproduction take a couple of steps forward.
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    remote done right is a $500 upcharge in the dehavilland ultraverve 3 preamp.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    marvda1 wrote: »
    remote done right is a $500 upcharge in the dehavilland ultraverve 3 preamp.

    She's a beauty Marv. Gotta sell some plasma though. :s
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    BlueMDPicker wrote: »

    Rich,

    What impact would "regenerated" AC (such as the PS Audio Power Plant) have on your circuit as described? Could a less elaborate power supply topology be employed?

    I've mentioned before, undoubtedly to a chorus of rolled eyes, my Power Plant is the best audio expenditure I've made in 45+ years as an enthusiast. I can only judge what I actually hear, and it is a night/day difference in noise floor. It lets all the other aspects of the sound reproduction take a couple of steps forward.

    Good clean power in will definitely help, but if the PS is not a top notch design you can still get noise out of it, regardless of input power. Twisted Pear has a pretty good design. Salas is one of the legends of power supplies at diyaudio.

    I use a Richard Gray conditioner.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • Realistic
    Realistic Posts: 355
    Hey Russ how is the pre choice going? I am loving mine, when I first used the TT I thought it was way to bright but shes sounding much nicer now. Good luck and thanks again for your help.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    Got a few leads, Bob. Just gotta check a few more things and the Iowa trip came up sooner than expected. Keep ya posted.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,285
    There might be some opportunities to look/listen to some pre's at LSAF...might want to hold your panties
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    There might be some opportunities to look/listen to some pre's at LSAF...might want to hold your panties

    Commando my friend. You have been warned.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,285
    lightman1 wrote: »
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    There might be some opportunities to look/listen to some pre's at LSAF...might want to hold your panties

    Commando my friend. You have been warned.

    Not worried you'll be bunking with Russman :p
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,759
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    lightman1 wrote: »
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    There might be some opportunities to look/listen to some pre's at LSAF...might want to hold your panties

    Commando my friend. You have been warned.

    Not worried you'll be bunking with Russman :p

    Have him put out the fire...

    f4n2gx6reitt.jpg
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    Cripes! It is right chilly in Des Moines. Wish I had a tube pre amp to warm me up.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    edited March 2016
    The aboriginal Australians used to cuddle up with their vacuum tube amplifiers on cold nights. In New England, tonight may be what they would have called a "Monaural Single-Ended Direct Heated Triode Night"...

    :-/

    Cliff-Clavin-Small-401x300.jpg
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    The aboriginal Australians used to cuddle up with their vacuum tube amplifiers on cold nights. In New England, tonight may be what they would have called a "Monaural Single-Ended Direct Heated Triode Night"...

    :-/

    I have their album!

    24.%20IRWINCOREY.JPG
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    edited March 2016
    Prof, Irwin Corey - my hero!
    ;- )

    Jeepers, apparently he is still alive... and 101 years old.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irwin_Corey

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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Prof, Irwin Corey - my hero!
    ;- )

    Jeepers, apparently he is still alive... and 101 years old.

    Yep, and enjoying himself.....MY hero!

    corey_400.jpg
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2016
    See Benchmark Media's white paper on PROPER implementation of digital volume control. All of the DAC2's use "HGC" (Hybrid Gain Control) 32bit volume control and they test & measure superbly with none of the shortcomings of analog controls.

    Having said that, there are older implementations that can be detrimental to sound quality---but it depends on specific design.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
    steveinaz wrote: »
    See Benchmark Media's white paper on PROPER implementation of digital volume control. All of the DAC2's use "HGC" (Hybrid Gain Control) 32bit volume control and they test & measure superbly with none of the shortcomings of analog controls.

    Having said that, there are older implementations that can be detrimental to sound quality---but it depends on specific design.

    I was going to bring this up as well. The benchmark is one sweet all in one unit.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    The one feature that I really like on the BM DAC2 is rarely talked about; the additional dynamic headroom circuitry that makes overly "baked" CD's sound somewhat more listenable. CD's that suffer from the loudness wars brickwalling sound smoother and less harsh. I don't know how it works, but I have noted improvement in a number of hot CD's.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Realistic
    Realistic Posts: 355
    Russ any updates on your preamp quest?
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    Not yet Bob. Still in Iowa. Kinda put that on the back burner until I get back home. Still kicking some tires though.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    nbrowser wrote: »
    lightman1 wrote: »
    Not yet Bob. Still in Iowa. Kinda put that on the back burner until I get back home. Still kicking some tires though.

    What did the tires ever do to you? Poor tires :(

    :D Good one Ken.
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  • Realistic
    Realistic Posts: 355
    Russ what is up with the pre hunt? Don't forget to update.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    Hey Bob! I had haul booty out to Iowa earlier than expected, BUT....been hanging out at Steve's @gudnoyez house. And listening to the Vincent has whetted the whistle in the SQ search. Smooth as silk.
    When (if) I get back to NC, that one is rated high on the list. Howz the P5 treating you?
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  • littlewoodboats
    littlewoodboats Posts: 823
    edited March 2016
    This is not playing in the same league as some of the options given but for a little less than a grand you could find a clean Adcom GFP-750 then send it to Big Sky Audio for a "best of everything" restoration/upgrade.

    Rick's work would make it easy to sell if you did not like the result.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    I still say the primaluna premium preamplifier, I have the cary slp05 too and they are close in performace but not in price.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    edited March 2016
    Well then, tell me what you hear pfb....
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    I still say the primaluna premium preamplifier, I have the cary slp05 too and they are close in performace but not in price.

    The Primaluna has only about 10-12 db of gain, so a speaker with higher efficiency may be in order to pair it with. Not sure what yours are Russ.

    Too bad your on the road, you could have given the Rhumba a dance. I know you'd like that puppy.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    lightman1 wrote: »
    Well then, tell me what you hear pfb....

    Well assuming the cables are slightly above average to hook up the pre and you have a good source my findings should mirror what many hear. The primaluna has a dead silent blacker than black background with nothing bloated or overly tubey about the bass. The bass is tight with amazing control but the clarity of the high end is super transparent. When you hear vocals they just come through with dynamic punch leaving almost nothing out. The tone of the vocals really digs you deep in to not only how an artist is sounding but bringing you a step closer to how they are feeling, thats what makes this a special preamp for me out of the many I have been through.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    tonyb wrote: »
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    I still say the primaluna premium preamplifier, I have the cary slp05 too and they are close in performace but not in price.

    The Primaluna has only about 10-12 db of gain, so a speaker with higher efficiency may be in order to pair it with. Not sure what yours are Russ.

    Too bad your on the road, you could have given the Rhumba a dance. I know you'd like that puppy.

    Emerald Physics CS2p open baffle. 93db IIRC.
    Yep. Reading all the glowing reviews about the Rhumba has me thinking. Still on the pricey side, but maybe swing it one day.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    littlewoodboats wrote: »
    This is not playing in the same league as some of the options given but for a little less than a grand you could find a clean Adcom GFP-750 then send it to Big Sky Audio for a "best of everything" restoration/upgrade.

    Rick's work would make it easy to sell if you did not like the result.

    I can dig it. I've owned a couple of Adcom pre's. Bang for the buck good sound. And I did not know about the upgrades. Thanks for that little nugget!
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