DesertHawk
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- Apr 14, 2022
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Help me better understand preamps. My understanding is that if you only have a dac as a source and you buy a dac with built-in volume control then you don't even need a preamp. Basically, a preamp is needed if you are using a power amp that isn't an "integrated amplifier" and you have more than one audio source (e.g. a turntable and a streamer) or you need volume controls.
Looking at the Schiit Freya as an example. While this looks great (both in aesthetics and in measurements) it costs $600. Not only does it cost that much, but Amir said, "Honestly, there is no way I could ever build you a preamp with this functionality and performance and sell it at this price." https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s/schiit-freya-s-preamplifier-review-2.11543/
While I trust Amir, you can get a 150w x 2 @ 8 ohm Hypex amp fully built for less than the Freya
www.buckeyeamp.com
As a non-electrical engineer, I have a hard time squaring away that something that generates that much power costs less than something that essentially gives you multiple plug-ins and volume control. It feels like the power amp involves all kinds of complicated hardware and the preamp is, effectively, a switch and a volume knob. Please, help me understand!
I do realize that particular preamp is fully balanced with XLR inputs, but so is the Hypex. I also realize that preamp has amazing SINAD and total distortion scores, but going back to my (almost certainly misinformed) assumptions of the preamp being a "switch and a knob" it seems like that should be relatively easy to achieve.
Thanks in advance. (apologies if this has been discussed before. I honestly searched alot for this topic, on this site and others, without a satisfactory answer. Maybe I'm just not good at internet searches! Lol)
Looking at the Schiit Freya as an example. While this looks great (both in aesthetics and in measurements) it costs $600. Not only does it cost that much, but Amir said, "Honestly, there is no way I could ever build you a preamp with this functionality and performance and sell it at this price." https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s/schiit-freya-s-preamplifier-review-2.11543/
While I trust Amir, you can get a 150w x 2 @ 8 ohm Hypex amp fully built for less than the Freya
Buckeye Amps
Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!
As a non-electrical engineer, I have a hard time squaring away that something that generates that much power costs less than something that essentially gives you multiple plug-ins and volume control. It feels like the power amp involves all kinds of complicated hardware and the preamp is, effectively, a switch and a volume knob. Please, help me understand!
I do realize that particular preamp is fully balanced with XLR inputs, but so is the Hypex. I also realize that preamp has amazing SINAD and total distortion scores, but going back to my (almost certainly misinformed) assumptions of the preamp being a "switch and a knob" it seems like that should be relatively easy to achieve.
Thanks in advance. (apologies if this has been discussed before. I honestly searched alot for this topic, on this site and others, without a satisfactory answer. Maybe I'm just not good at internet searches! Lol)