Hello, As anyone been using the dCS Bartok as a Preamp, connected directly to a power amp with no traditional preamp between them? If yes, is it as good as a good preamp, or do you feel that something is missing? Thank’s :slight_smile:

I can share my experience too, I tried to connect bartok directly to tube 2A3 monoblocks and compared internal volume control to Audio Note M5 tube preamp. I must say, its day and night, with tube preamp it sounds much better! Another level, more body, nature, better voice reproduction, it sounds mo…

[image] Cooler: I would count good preamp with a price range similar to Bartok’s price. Welcome Cooler. However I do think that there are a number of good preamps costing less than $15,000 or equivalent. There are several suggestions made in various topics on this forum.

I did this A-B test on the weekend It wasn’t double-blind, dB-matched, fair, objective or peer-reviewed :laughing: I just unplugged and replugged a few XLR cables [Hyperbole alert] … no contest, particularly with bass and cymbals, better clarity and personal engagement at the lowish volume levels…

To Pete’s point, price means very little, as The Truth amply demonstrates . And I see we have a Phonitor contingent here!

Have you tried one of these Greg? Talk about stripped down to the bare essentials!

Definitely stripped down. But I have not tried one. I used to own a rebuilt Lotus 7, a car for which paint was deemed an option because it added weight. I love minimalism, but I definitely need a bit more than The Truth offers.

[image] James: The signal to noise in the analogue output stage will still be lower whether using a lower output voltage or a higher voltage but lower volume control, but the conversion stage retains a higher ratio with a lower output voltage in this case. My advice would be to use whatever outp…

I like that Bartok directly plays very much like ATC SCA2. But I still prefer the preamp with mine 50ASLTs. It is compliment to SCA2 (or to Bartok?:)). At least it’s convenient… and a little home-like))

[image] Ermos: Hi @James , did you find time to double check your point yet? It would be good to know.

Bartok as a preamplifier

dCS Products

PaleRider (Greg) February 9, 2021, 7:32pm 53

Perfect!

What makes 6v better than 2v