Added an active Pre-amp

tmd · « **on:** 29 Mar 2003, 09:35 pm »

I have been building a system for several years now and always ignored the preamp. Initially I had a Decware Zen amp which has an Alps pot on the input acting as gain control. That worked fine.
When I changed to other amps, I was cheap and did the same thing, putting an Alps pot in line on the interconnect between the CD player and amps.
Recently, I purchased a bottlehead foreplay a put it in the mix. While it really changed the whole equation and proved that in my current system, I do need a preamp, it added an annoying background hiss to the system. For the first time since I started to do this, I don't have dead silence when there isn't music playing. I think the foreplay sounds good but does take away from the detail somewhat. It is a stock unit. Can I make it quieter with some of the mods? How much more money would I need to spend for either tube or SS to get a really quiet pre? I really do miss the dead quiet.
Thanks, Neil.

tmd · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Apr 2003, 09:02 am »

Is this question in the wrong forum? Should it go in the Bottlehead forum at AA?

mgalusha · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Apr 2003, 04:11 am »

Neil,

You might get more response on the bottlehead forum. In answer to your question, there are many preamps that are very quiet. Is the hiss bad enough that you can hear it at your listening position?

Tube preamps usually produce a little more noise than SS. Often this is referred to as "tube rush". You might try some different tubes in your foreplay and see if it improves. Unless you are running high efficiency speakers, the hiss should only be audible if your ears are within a few inches of the drivers.

HTH, mike

Curt · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Apr 2003, 08:54 am »

Purist Line Level Controller : DEAD QUIET and NO SS Harshness

First review:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=1785

Pricing to your door available at:

http://www.ird-thailand.com/price-list.htm

This is an option you migh like to consider. Good luck in your quest.

tmd · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Apr 2003, 09:16 am »

Mike,
I have tried a few different tube sets and it is still noisy enough to hear the hiss from the listening position. I am running VMPS 626 Neos, so they aren't particularly efficient. I will probably post on AA to see what the guys there have to say.
Curt,
I am running LeAmps and am very comfortable with your products. I would love to buy one of your preamps but right now money is tight. One of these days.
Thanks for the replies, Neil.