[jaxwired]

So a preamp in theory should just be a straight wire with gain.  Meaning it adds nothing to the signal.  That being the case, I've been experimenting with my BP6 preamp and my benchmark DAC1.  Normally my benchmark DAC1 feeds the CD input to the BP6 preamp.  However, my benchmark has a variable output mode that will allow it to act as the preamp and connect directly to my 4Bsst2 amp. 

So, in theory bypassing the BP6 should improve the clarity and transparency as I've removed an entire component from the signal path.  However, from my A/B comparisons, the opposite is true.  My system sounds better, with more transparency, and more subtle spatial cues present in the music with the BP6 in between the DAC1 and the amp.  This doesn't seem to make sense.  Am I fooling myself?

Don't get me wrong, the system still sounds excellent with the DAC1 feeding the amp directly, but IMO, it's a noticable notch better with the BP6 in between.  Can this be explained by amp/preamp impedance matching ect? 

I WAS considering upgrading my DAC1 to the remote capable version and dumping the BP6 just to make my system more compact, but it looks like that's not an option.

Any thoughts appreciated.   

[JackD201]

It shouldn't be surprising really. When going from the DAC1 to the Bryston amps you are using the DAC1's built in attenuators. I'm not sure if it is a digital volume controller, where it may be shaving bits, a rudimentary passive analog volume control section or a rudimentary preamp section. Whatever the case may be the DAC1 is not sending out the signal in unity gain.

Not surprisingly a superior stand alone preamp, such as your BP6, fed with the unity gain signal of your DAC1 will give you what you are experiencing.

 

[sfraser]

Could also be that the input/output impedance matching of the BP6/amp is better than the DAC1/amp.

Scott

[vegasdave]

I agree. Plus the BP6 basically rocks! It's one of the best preamps around, imo.