preamp

Audio Components Amplifiers
1

dose anyone have or heard the DSD with audio research ref.5SE preamp, I was thinking about buying a 5SE or should I wait for PS to come out with their new preamp, and wait for it to be reviewed

2

I am sure the Audio Research sounds great - they always do. The BHK Signature preamp, shipping in a few months, will be something extraordinary and if you can wait, I would suggest doing so.

3

I, too, would wait for the new preamp to be released. PS Audio has been on a roll, releasing superb products again and again.

I would want the new preamp to be in play when making the decision of what to buy next.

4

When will there be a spec sheet available for the preamp?

5

smokey For about 7 months I’m running on ARC REF5SE with DS DAC and Electrocompaniet AW400 monoblocks. Before, I was running directly from DS to AW400, then I bought ARC just to “get better sound”. ARC achieved it in sounding more natural, full-bodied and more harmonic. However some finest details DS produced in direct-to-amp connection got lost (including less defined soundstage) and bass is also bit less controlled. I have also replaced original tubes (about 2000 hours on them) with cryogenically treated Sovteks and that help to get more details (and become less grainy) from ARC, but it’s still not “passing thru” all the magic DS can do. I’ve red somewhere that the new ARC REF6 should be improved in this areas, but have no budget on even thinking about buying it anytime soon so I’m keeping the 5SE in the chain :slight_smile:

6

thanks, for that info. maniac, about the DSD and ARC 5SE , I was thinking about trading up ,I do have a ARC LS 27, I to also had the DSD direct

into my amp AVA 600 R BALANCED, when I play the DSD with the preamp it dose mellow out, if you know what I mean, but I do hear a better

separation of the soundstage , I am going to wait for the new PS PREAMP reviews

7
maniac said smokey For about 7 months I'm running on ARC REF5SE with DS DAC and Electrocompaniet AW400 monoblocks. Before, I was running directly from DS to AW400, then I bought ARC just to "get better sound". ARC achieved it in sounding more natural, full-bodied and more harmonic. However some finest details DS produced in direct-to-amp connection got lost (including less defined soundstage) and bass is also bit less controlled. I have also replaced original tubes (about 2000 hours on them) with cryogenically treated Sovteks and that help to get more details (and become less grainy) from ARC, but it's still not "passing thru" all the magic DS can do. I've red somewhere that the new ARC REF6 should be improved in this areas, but have no budget on even thinking about buying it anytime soon so I'm keeping the 5SE in the chain :)
Bah. I have an LS26. And got spare tubes. Soundstage seems fine, but you're not seeing all the 'magic' of the DS?

Uh oh. Do I have to start saving for the BHK?

8

  • During power up, will the preamp remember initial setting for input channel and volume?

  • Related to first question, if not is there a dedicated channel for theatre through (0dB gain) and how about available headroom?

  • If you connect the RCA output to a load, will this unbalance the XLR?

  • Is the sensitivity and load characteristics finetuned to match the BHK?

  • Is the Trigger 12VDC?

Should I consider replacing my preamp these questions are of outmost importance from learning the hard way…

9

Frode - I believe the answer to your third question regarding usage of both outputs was addressed by details Paul provided in the related Beta testing thread:

“Single ended and balanced outputs can be used together for different feeds or separate”

10
Frode said
  • is there a dedicated channel for theatre through (0dB gain)
+1 if the preamp will have a home theater passthrough.

Also,

  • Will the input selection be available from the front panel (hard to tell from the picture)?

  • Confirming there will be no tape monitor loop (not a dealbreaker, just curious)

11

any chance we can have an IR input that works properly on the back? Should only be a 2-conductor type jack (no DC on the pin). Even better would be a software driver (IP/RS232) so that the unit could be fully operated from a control system.

12
Streets Still Works said
maniac said smokey For about 7 months I'm running on ARC REF5SE with DS DAC and Electrocompaniet AW400 monoblocks. Before, I was running directly from DS to AW400, then I bought ARC just to "get better sound". ARC achieved it in sounding more natural, full-bodied and more harmonic. However some finest details DS produced in direct-to-amp connection got lost (including less defined soundstage) and bass is also bit less controlled. I have also replaced original tubes (about 2000 hours on them) with cryogenically treated Sovteks and that help to get more details (and become less grainy) from ARC, but it's still not "passing thru" all the magic DS can do. I've red somewhere that the new ARC REF6 should be improved in this areas, but have no budget on even thinking about buying it anytime soon so I'm keeping the 5SE in the chain :)
Bah. I have an LS26. And got spare tubes. Soundstage seems fine, but you're not seeing all the 'magic' of the DS?

Uh oh. Do I have to start saving for the BHK?

Actually something is definitively lost with the REF5SE preamp in chain (for sake of the simplicity i would call it precision of the DS). However overall I like the sound more with preamp in chain, it's more lively, full - as it could be expected from the tube gear.

1st i have tried LS17 but it was horrible result - LOT of DS resolution was lost, it was somehow “ear-piercing experience” with LS17SE.

LS26 was much better and REF5SE was best of what i have heard in my setup. It would be interesting to test new REF6, however it may not happen anytime soon in my case as I spend all budget on REF5SE and XLO power snakes for monoblocks (which i’m still waiting to be delivered after 4 months as i’ve been told XLO had some issue in factory)

13
maniac said Actually something is definitively lost with the REF5SE preamp in chain (for sake of the simplicity i would call it precision of the DS). However overall I like the sound more with preamp in chain, it's more lively, full - as it could be expected from the tube gear.

1st i have tried LS17 but it was horrible result - LOT of DS resolution was lost, it was somehow “ear-piercing experience” with LS17SE.

LS26 was much better and REF5SE was best of what i have heard in my setup.


I agree, the LS17 just didn’t sound as good as the LS26 back when I bought the latter. The REF 5 at the time was out of my budget. The big question is if the BHK preamp gets as good as the REF5 or better.