A similar discussion just went on over here: conventional passive preamp thinking may be wrong - Transcendent Sound Message BoardOriginally Posted by sanhanul
A passive volume control can work if properly designed, implemented and buffered. I have seem some that cost $1000s.
With all this equipment I've amassed over the passed year, my Grounded Grid preamp is the understated jewel of my system.
A kinda big "if".If you have a very good pre amplifier it will pass all the information from your source equip such as CD to power amplifier without adding any character or losing any information.
In close to 40 years of listening, my experience is that preamplifiers tend to be the MOST COLORED component in an audio system second only to loudspeakers. The really good ones keep it to a minimum and will require a very revealing system to evidence their personalities.
My own personal battle with them is that the few that approach sonic perfection(IMO) compromise too many comfort and convenience features for me to live with long term.
I've settled for "good enough" for now. Loudness contour, bass and treble controls, and a remote were all welcome returns. Thank You Frank Mcintosh and Gordon Gow!
Last edited by bowtie427ss; June 27th, 2013 at 01:02 PM.
Not all vegetables make good leaders.
That's me in a nutshell ! I used to fiddle with my gear constantly in my 20's and 30's now I'm in my later 40's I can't live with out a remote,,
I don't use the loudness contour as i rarely listen to it at low enough volumes.. I keep the tone contols set to 0. And use my EQ set at where i like the sound tonally and just listen to my music... And ENJOY !
Nut me. I have a volume knob and a 3-input selector switch on my preamp: MacMini, TT and cable box. That's it. No loudness, tone or remote. I really don't miss any of them...especially another remote! There is something satisfyingly tactile about turning a volume knob.
Viva le Difference! That's my "good enough" for now.
This hobby is like a respectable whore, she's got something for everybody.
Not all vegetables make good leaders.
There are lots of wonderful preamps other than Altec. I had my share of passives (Bent Audio, Light Speed Attenuator, Placette) and active (ARC LS 12, ARC LS 16, Supratek Chenin transformer coupled, cap coupled JEL Type 76 FF preamp, Type 26 with Filament bias/SSHV B+/transformer coupled preamp, and the aformentioned GG from Transcendent Sound about 6 years ago). All have their own merits and to me better than any potentiometer I tried regardless of brand. I prefer active, because the source does not have to drive the amp.
At present, I still have the Supratek, the JEL, and the Type 26 wherein the latter is the "main hitter" in my system. I have never heard a preamp as sweet as and as dynamic as a transformer coupled (Lundahl)Filament Bias type 26 of my many years in audio. The soundstage I get from this preamp using 2A3 amps enables my system to employ an 802D to project as big a sound as a 288C . The topology is very simple but the power supply alone of this preamp can put mega dollar preamp power supply to shame(separate chassis, AZ1 rectified, choke loaded, separate regulated B+ using Shunt Regulators, separate regulated filaments per channel employing filament bias on type 26 DHT tube).
QNME In Retro!
An analog volume knob is the only way to go.This hobby is like a respectable whore, she's got something for everybody.
I prefer my hoes to come with at least 2 knobs. seriously I'm looking for at least master volume with phono mic aux inputs.
thanks for the input everyone.
Sonic Barbarian
Being 50 years old, my ears have deteriorated to the point where I'm just happy to hear anything.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks