So, I take it it was a bad idea?

[manlystanley]

A while ago on this board I wrote a message saying that I was planning on getting a Emotiva preamp to replace my dying Adcom preamp. I got back various responses that all seemed to say that it was a pretty bad idea. So, I'm thinking about plan B. My timeframe for doing this September, so I'm in no rush and have time to look around, unless some manna from heaven drops in my lap......

Anyways, following up on blackraven's advice I looked at the site: http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?opt...=72&Itemid=202

Great stuff, but, as always I don't know if I want to pay that much. But, who knows maybe my bonus this year will be big.....

Can someone tell me why an Emotiva preamp with my setup is not the best idea? That would help me understand what I should be looking for.

As always, thanks for the pointers.

Best Regards,
Stan

[Hyfi]

Sorry I can't help but I am just as clueless as to why a matching brand pre would not match with it's own amp. I will be following the answers to this one.

[manlystanley]

Sorry I can't help but I am just as clueless as to why a matching brand pre would not match with it's own amp. I will be following the answers to this one.

Hello Hyfi,
I think the main jest of the comments was that getting a Emotiva preamp would at best be a lateral move (with the addition of two channels that fully work). I think there point is that a tube, hybred, or even passive would provide a better sound.

BR also pointed me to a VA T& preamp for 795, but I was to late to get it.

I wanted to make sure that I understood there points. In particular, since I have warmer speakers now, would a tube preamp really add much??

Best Regards,
Stan

[Feanor]

A while ago on this board I wrote a message saying that I was planning on getting a Emotiva preamp to replace my dying Adcom preamp. I got back various responses that all seemed to say that it was a pretty bad idea. So, I'm thinking about plan B. My timeframe for doing this September, so I'm in no rush and have time to look around, unless some manna from heaven drops in my lap......

Anyways, following up on blackraven's advice I looked at the site: http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?opt...=72&Itemid=202

Great stuff, but, as always I don't know if I want to pay that much. But, who knows maybe my bonus this year will be big.....

Can someone tell me why an Emotiva preamp with my setup is not the best idea? That would help me understand what I should be looking for.

As always, thanks for the pointers.

Best Regards,
Stan

Dunno, Stan, it doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. I don't recall the nature of the objections to the Emotiva preamp unless it was the "tubes are better" line of argument.

For a new preamp, the Emotiva looks like great value. That is, given Emotiva's good general reputation: I haven't head the pre myself.

Why not just do what seems good to you?

[Ajani]

I don't think the Emotiva pre is a bad idea... The USP-1 has received very positive feedback from owners and the few reviews of it have been very good...

Considering Emotiva's return policy, I'd suggest just trying it and returning it if you don't like it...

[Hyfi]

Hello Hyfi,
I think the main jest of the comments was that getting a Emotiva preamp would at best be a lateral move (with the addition of two channels that fully work). I think there point is that a tube, hybred, or even passive would provide a better sound.

BR also pointed me to a VA T& preamp for 795, but I was to late to get it.

I wanted to make sure that I understood there points. In particular, since I have warmer speakers now, would a tube preamp really add much??

Best Regards,
Stan

I am a fan of tubed pre-amps. My pre has low gain, high gain, and passive. I think it sounds better in low gain than passive in my system. I guess if you go passive, it will really depend on source, amp and speakers as to how it will ultimately sound.

I have been running tube pre with SS amps for about 12 years and I like the combo a lot. My current amp is hybrid, tube in and ss out.

[rob_a]

I don't know why it would be a bad idea??? Emo make pretty darn good stuff, it would be on the top of my list if I were looking for an affordable pre. I have read only positive review on it myself.

[Luvin Da Blues]

The trick to taking advice from forums like these is to know "who actually is in the know", who is full of BS and who are newbies trying to impress others with their limited knowledge.

[audio amateur]

The trick to taking advice from forums like these is to know "who actually is in the know", who is full of BS and who are newbies trying to impress others with their limited knowledge.

lol. You refering to anyone in particular?

[blackraven]

Stan the thing about tubes is that you can fine tune the sound with tube rolling. I've been truly amazed at how different tubes sound. Some add air and transparency, some add bass, others add better high end or bass. Others add midrange. I've been tube rolling recently and went from 6N1P tubes to 6CG7's with various brands and found that a pair of NOS Mazda tubes placed in my DAC add depth,warmth and bass and a pair of NOS RCA clear tops in my Pre Amp add air, resolution and eveness to the sound. I have a pair of Electro Harmonix that adds tremendous air and sound stage but are too bright.

My point is that you can easily change the sound with changing tubes without having to change the preamp.

By the way Stan, AVA gear would be easy to resell as it does not last long on the used market.

[02audionoob]

Stan...Could you point us to the preamp discussion? Something doesn't seem right. Maybe someone was misunderstood?

[Ajani]

Stan...Could you point us to the preamp discussion? Something doesn't seem right. Maybe someone was misunderstood?

Does anyone run balanced cables?

[02audionoob]

Does anyone run balanced cables?

Thanks. It seems like the Emo preamp is a consensus good idea.

[manlystanley]

Sounds good. Everyone, thanks for your help.

Best Regards,
Stan

[blackraven]

Stan, check your messages.