Why preamps sound different

Is it simply confirmational bias or do preamps really sound differently?

[cvee]

I have a Marantz PM8006. That’s all the integrated amplifier you’ll ever need. Thank you.

[mrsmokalotapotamus]

I was recently able to step into high end again and I went from a Topping E-50 to a Steller Gain Cell DAC. The difference was eye opening and WOW! The Topping always sounded flat and dull and I knew that was the first thing I should upgrade. This was not a small change to even the deaf. As soon as my friends hit the door they noticed. I had to turn my sub down quite a bit there was so much more bass. I also had to change the toe-in angle from near direct to near front facing. SOOO happy with my purchase and blown away by the difference. I am all in on PS Audio and can't wait till I can afford an amp💪

Moral of the story is pre amps indeed make a difference, Cheers✌

[arunwalker]

Can't wait to see the new preamp. Hopefully, not too long a wait ♫

[larspedersen]

Every component in an amplifier is a signal degradation unit. Yes, a semiconductor can amplify the level of the signal, but never improve the quality.
The many different attempts and topologies to avoid degradation while amplifying the signal results in big sound differences. That is exactly why you should allways use your ears and not just let specs, or impressive design, deside which amplifier you buy.. 😊

[jdhiro]

I guess I'd like Paul to expand a bit on what he thinks the BIGGEST factors in the pre-amp sound difference are. If I had to guess, a lot of it is in the op-amp selection and the volume ladder. Yes/no?

[PetraKann]

Generally preamps boost weak low voltage signals from playback devices.
The next power amp stage boosts the current so that the speakers can be driven effectively.
The preamp does impart colour and characteristics to the signal - much more than the power amp stage.
It’s well known in the guitar amp industry that the character and essence of a guitar amp resides in the preamp stage - with everything else being equal.
In fact it’s common for professional guitarists and recording studios to have a stack of rack mount preamps modules that represent different amp types (marshall, vox, fender, mesa boogie etc).
The guitarist can select a preamp stage and run it through one power amp stage.

[stevenholquin]

Outstanding
Now We Are Getting
Through

[pedrocols]

"Stunningly better" "It is an entirely different circuit" "He had this crazy idea" 🤣🤣

[johannkrist]

I´m waiting for a new preamp. Sold my old one and while I wait im using a headphones amp. it has a pre amp out so it works perfectly. That Vincent Audio headphones amplifier sounds better than my older preamp.

[MCMTL]

I recently came across an amazingly simple yet heavenly-sounding tube preamp. If I get a chance, I'll go on a pilgrimage to Colorado so you folks can have a listen. You literally have to hear it to believe it.

[mk]

Hello, I guess PSAudio makes really nice amplifiers and power supplies.
However, just "OMG" and "better" are too subjective. Could you explain how the Primaluna and PSAudio preamps sound differently in a objective way?

[kenshireman]

I thought Deron left PS. Is he still collaborating on this design?

[Errorusername]

Still got my old nad 1240 and 106. I try some New product now and then, so in 2021 i sendt then both to be recapped and upgraded, i dont think il find something better in my life time, but im still looking

[Dan_dd]

"Is there science based difference in the way a pre amp can sound better?"
PM: Yes, theres lots of reasons
"What are these?"
PM: Let me tell OHH Maaahh So does that answer your Q I dont know.

Luv ya Paul.
more info sometimes, less self promotion. even though yes, that is a big part of the game.

[randomtube]

Why aren't there any true separate components? Regardless of price it's difficult to find components without features that are unnecessary in standalone components. There's always more on the circuit boards that are needed. It's so easy to find integrateds with a DAC preamp and amplifier. A basic cheap preamp with inputs and a master volume pot is almost non-existent. Most DACs have built in preamps. It's a struggle when someone is trying to build a stereo hifi system on the tightest of budgets. It's easier to buy separates that you can upgrade later. Rather than purchase everything at once. All it takes is one bad piece of metal in the signal path to smear the sound and degrade the overall quality.

[johnnaighley]

We only learnt THAT preamps sound different, unfortunately not WHY ...

[InsideOfMyOwnMind]

When splitting up an integrated nothing bad can come of it. Same with a receiver, power amp/tuner-pre.

[bayard]

This notion that is rampant in the audio world that one can not hear differences... it's just your brain fooling you with your expectations is making me nuts. This notion you can't trust your ears... stupid, sorry, it's stupid. First, true, you are not born with trained listening skills, or trained evaluation skills, but if you put in some effort in your life to developing such skills you can indeed develop them.
When I was a kid I learned to sail and I had to learn how to tune and trim the boat, along with learning to trim sails and steer through the water and waves, all learned skills. Then in the world of Art making I had to learn those critical skills, then in the world of motorcycle riding and racing I had to learn how to tune the bike, how to feel the tires etc. Then as a Chef I had to learn how to taste food and adjust the seasoning and taste.
Then I learned acoustics and had to learn critical listening skills, then I designed and built some speakers and had to learn even more critical listening skills. Never have I been steered wrong by 'conformational bias'. Why? Because I don't approach anything with a preconceived notion of what I'm going to experience, instead I have learned to listen to my -whole- body, we are an incredible sensory being with sensory skills well beyond the basic 5 senses to draw information from.
All you have to do is learn to listen to what your personal bio machine is telling you and learn how to interpret it.
And now you are thinking- Rubbish!!!- how do you know you succeeded...
Well, I know because I could make my boat go faster around a race course than others could, and have trophies to prove it, I was able to ride my motorcycle faster around a race course than others could and I have trophies to prove it, other people could see and comment on the art work, others ate the food, critics reviewed the food in magazines and newspapers and on TV and I have muti star ratings to confirm it, I have won cooking competitions. My body tells me when the acoustics and the speakers sound is correct.
I have spent my entire life making critical assessments of complex systems and making decisions on how to improve them, all without computers and fancy measuring tools...
These things are not unknowable.
All you have to do is learn how to listen to what your body is able to tell you.

[stevenholquin]

Hey Paul
If I Am Hanging Upside Down By My Ankles in a Sand Storm With a Post Nasal Drip in My Living Room Will My Blood
Rush To My Head Faster Below The Equator or
Above The Equator Thus
Causing My Ears Pressure To Perforate My Auditory Canal Which Will Distort My Hearing And Give Me a Much More Robust Sound Quality Through My
McIntosh C-49
Pre/Amplifier….?

[ThinkingBetter]

The more my CDs and vinyl discs are collecting dust, the more I find myself struggling with arguing why I would want to upgrade my preamp. Ages ago I dropped out my cassette player, then I dropped out my FM tuner, still I have my CD transport and vinyl player, but I almost never use them. My streamer is where nearly 100% of my music comes from nowadays. As lossless streaming becomes the preferred choice for audiophiles, wouldn't we want our system to be heavily optimized for just audiophile streaming? If you never need switching input and never actually need signal amplification, what is the contribution of a preamp? Rather than putting a ton of engineering in making an amazing preamp, why not make an amazing setup supporting best in audiophile streaming? An audiophile system with best of streamer with build-in DSP (audiophile volume control, EQ, tube mode, etc.), DAC and power amp (3 boxes) could have some appeal.