PREamps role

[silvertone]

I recently was using an older NAD integrated and tried a half dozen carts to get it to sound right, but couldn't dial out an odd lower end sound which I suspected was the NAD. The phone input of this is nice, in terms of soundstage, clarity, etc but the circuit must impart something else which for me didn't work......So i tried an older pioneer sa800 ('73 circa) and am much happier. The preamp really has a great impact on things. I have the pioneer paired with a linn k9 and am quite content. The preamp is more natural/less invasive as the NAD. I guess it's all about synergy......

[dlaloum]

I agree that it is about synergy, but I would also hazard a guess that 90% of discussions about random "synergy" are more to do with an inability to identify the parameters that drive the positive match up.

Much audiophile "matching" is pure blind luck, driven by ignorance.... and not aided a lot by manufacturers who don't provide the necessary data (and explanations) to help in matching items with their gear...

Glad to hear you have a good matchup though

[vexorgtr]

Agreed... A quick read of Stereophile is like rich guys writing haiku about electronics. Most of the happiest audio enthusists that actually MAKE SENSE when they talk use normal language...

Much of what really WORKS in electronics is LOGIC. Having worked with electronics for 10 years, there's not a ton of magic voodoo going on here. Well made parts, Practical well made cables, and components that are well designed.... get those elements and the rest is a lego kit to see what you like.

When people see my silverfaced 70's amps they sort of look puzzled, but turn them on, and words like "Nice" and "impressive" usually are said.

[silvertone]

here's what i'm using. $120. Nice sounding phono. It's got a nice sounding headphone input(amp) as well.