Amp/Preamp Asylum

Posted by Alex M (A) on July 17, 2012 at 14:12:38

In Reply to: RE: REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. Reference 3 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by middleground on July 17, 2012 at 09:34:12

First of all, I have heard differences between cables, though I'm not a fan of super-expensive cables.

I admit that a small fraction of my LPs do have intrusive noise, but for the most part it really does disappear behind the music. The reasons I believe that is particularly true in my system are:

a) My record deck (a Vectored Pink Triangle) is an exceptionally well-designed deck as far as resonance control is concerned, with a Funk Achromat which reduces surface noise relative to the original acrylic platter (which was already quiet);

b) I use a low-distortion, zero-feedback phono preamp (Vacuum State RTP3), which is far less confused by surface ticks and pops than any other I have had in my system.

I listen to CDs as well, but I don't find the noise floor subjectively enormously lower than with my record-playing front end, and more often than not I find LPs more musically satisfying..

Alex

Edits: 07/17/12