Le Amp II Preamp Choices

Jumpin · « **on:** 29 Jul 2003, 08:59 pm »

Seems like a few of us are planning to get the Le Amp II's.
I am wondering what Preamps you are planning to use with yours.
Any suggestions on what would make a good mate, under $1k/

Jumpin

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Jul 2003, 12:05 am »

www.acoustic-reality.com

Apparently he's introducing a new preamp that supposed to be "giant killer" in Sept. I believe it's under $500.

Van Alstine is another place that is having an into. sale.

jones rush · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Aug 2003, 11:58 pm »

I'm going to be using the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 sound card, directly to the Le Amp 2. The same one Michael used at the Midwest show. Great DACs. $89.

Real world results:
http://www.nabs.net/cwatson53/M-Audio%20Revolution.htm

Please take into notice that the DNR/SNR etc. are limited by the line-in input specs, which are lower than the output specs.

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 12:17 am »

Jones,

MB used that card, then sent the signal to a "computer" pre-amp that increased the signal, then sent that increased signal to his ACA 2B, then to the LA2's.

You can read more about the computer pre-amp here...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=2087&highlight=midwest+audiofest

jones rush · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 12:22 am »

I know, Marbles.
Michael said to me that the output of the Revo at that point of time was 1v peak to peak. Later, M-Audio released new drivers which gives it more than 3v peak to peak, so, amplification of the signal is no longer a necessity. Furthermore, the ACA2 might be extremely good, but going with no pre amp at all, is always a better option than going with some pre amp, even if it's the best in the world. Assuming that the DAC CAN directly drive the amp, with good results. If mine will, I'll post about it.

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 12:26 am »

Quote from: jones rush

I know, Marbles.
Michael said to me that the output of the Revo at that point of time was 1v peak to peak. Later, M-Audio released new drivers which gives it more than 3v peak to peak, so, amplification of the signal is no longer a necessity. Furthermore, the ACA2 might be extremely good, but going with no pre amp at all, is always a better option than going with some pre amp, even if it's the best in the world. Assuming that the DAC CAN directly drive the amp, with good results. If mine will, I'll post about it.

Thanks for the update on the cards.

Going without a pre-amp is NOT always a better option....again it might be, and theoretically it should be the case, but in real world experience, you cannot say without trying a good pre in your system.

There is too much testimony of people who have tried no pre, and then tried a pre, that liked the pre in the signal path better.

Audio is so hard to figure out logically

jones rush · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 12:30 am »

Yep, I agree. That's why I've said, "considering the DAC CAN drive the amp, with good results".
Because this DAC is being controlled by a computer, which also run a very advanced room correction software (some say better than the TacT Audio RCS devices), I believe I'll be able to achieve good results, after some tweaking.

nacder · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 08:02 am »

Quote from: jones rush

Because this DAC is being controlled by a computer, which also run a very advanced room correction software (some say better than the TacT Audio RCS devices), I believe I'll be able to achieve good results, after some tweaking.

Which software are you using for Room Correction?

Cheers

jones rush · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 02:34 pm »

nacder,
I guess it's not that simple. In order to do Room Correction with a PC today, you need several softwares. First, you need something like CoolEdit pro, with the right plug-ins which will enble you to record an MLS or sine sweep from the listening spot, then you'll need to deconvlove it. This deconvolved signal will have to be calculated in the DRC code (an experimental, non graphic interface freeware, which are developed for free by Denis Sbragion), after DRC will generate the correct fir filters, you'll need a convolver plugin for one of your players, so you will be able to create the effect.

All in all, not the most easy process, but the results are pretty astonishing, at the listening spot. I'm still learning it myself. By the end of August, I'll probably finish my step by step guide. If you want, I'll keep you posted.

nacder · « **Reply #9 on:** 5 Aug 2003, 06:09 am »

Jones rush,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I am aware of the multi-step processes involved. Are you using the open source DRC (v2.x) software? What realtime convolver are you using?

Btw, I also heard there is a commercial verison of room correction software from SINC that will simplfy some of the technical steps, but will cost a bit more.

Cheers

jones rush · « **Reply #10 on:** 5 Aug 2003, 09:15 am »

nacder,
I'm using DRC v2.2.0 for windows.
There are two real time convolvers that I know of:
1) RealReverb plug in.
2) Foobar2000 DSP plug in.

nacder · « **Reply #11 on:** 6 Aug 2003, 03:45 am »

Quote from: jones rush

nacder,
There are two real time convolvers that I know of:
1) RealReverb plug in.
2) Foobar2000 DSP plug in.

Which one do you think is better for room correction?

ABEX · « **Reply #12 on:** 6 Aug 2003, 07:36 am »

Adding to the original question:

FT Audio LW-1

Just to add .I asked MB about using a Passive and his response was that it was not advisable to use a Passive Controller,but them I told him I would be trying an FT Audio LW-1 which has a better ability to support more amps and his response was that it might be a better match than others he knows of because of it's X-Coupler circuit I had described to him.

jones rush · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Aug 2003, 11:29 am »

Quote

Which one do you think is better for room correction?

Both are ment to do the exact same job. Convolving. I've been told that the Foobar200 DSP plugin should be somewhat more accurate in its calculations, but I haven't compared the two side by side to see if this is true.