Post by mv on Nov 14, 2017 14:17:39 GMT -5
I recently purchased a PT-100 preamp and wanted to give my impressions of the product for potential buyers. As a background, Previously I using my XDA-1 fed into my Harman Kardon AV347, and while this combo for processing sounded good to my ears, I always wondered what my system would sound like with more amplifier headroom. The problem was always that in looking at most stereo preamps, I would still need to use the XDA to connect my TV via optical, and my laptop via USB.
Along came the PT-100 and completely fit any need that I had.
Analog inputs, Optical, Digital Coax, USB, Phono Stage, and wait for it...subwoofer preouts?!? How much more can you pack into this awesome kit?
I have two different amplifiers that I am going back and forth between at the moment, and honestly cannot tell much of a difference between. My UPA 200, and my Denon POA 5200 dual mono amp both put out roughly 125/200 watts, the only difference being that the Denon has A/B switching. It will probably find it's mate with the PT-100 based solely upon the internal switching because I run Klipsch RP150M bookshelves, as well as JBL Studio 580 towers in the same room. The Klipsch are mainly used for TV watching since they are positioned for a ghost center with my TV, and the JBL's are used for real music appreciation.
Upon listening, my first impressions were that I could tell almost no difference between the DAC section of the PT-100 and the XDA...which I find impressive. Soundstage and depth in recordings was better with the increased headroom, and more noticeable in the ultra efficient Klipsch bookshelves. There is just some sort of magic with headroom and power in efficient speakers.
The menu is a little difficult to get used to, not because it is actually complicated, but from your brain being programmed from using other consumer electronics. You have to think a little because the buttons actually change functions depending on the on screen option selected.
The only real wish that I have is to be able to adjust the subwoofer output level form the preamp. As it is now, the preout is a summed fixed level output, so adjustments for gain need to be made on your sub amp. Not a huge deal, but some songs need less or more subwoofer, so it would be nice to be able to control that.
If anyone is looking for a preamplifier solution that does not muddy their sound with needless processing, or wants a no-nonsense solution with tons of inputs for a great 2.1 channel setup...the PT-100 simply cannot be beat for the price.
Thanks Emotiva for making another great product.
Along came the PT-100 and completely fit any need that I had.
Analog inputs, Optical, Digital Coax, USB, Phono Stage, and wait for it...subwoofer preouts?!? How much more can you pack into this awesome kit?
I have two different amplifiers that I am going back and forth between at the moment, and honestly cannot tell much of a difference between. My UPA 200, and my Denon POA 5200 dual mono amp both put out roughly 125/200 watts, the only difference being that the Denon has A/B switching. It will probably find it's mate with the PT-100 based solely upon the internal switching because I run Klipsch RP150M bookshelves, as well as JBL Studio 580 towers in the same room. The Klipsch are mainly used for TV watching since they are positioned for a ghost center with my TV, and the JBL's are used for real music appreciation.
Upon listening, my first impressions were that I could tell almost no difference between the DAC section of the PT-100 and the XDA...which I find impressive. Soundstage and depth in recordings was better with the increased headroom, and more noticeable in the ultra efficient Klipsch bookshelves. There is just some sort of magic with headroom and power in efficient speakers.
The menu is a little difficult to get used to, not because it is actually complicated, but from your brain being programmed from using other consumer electronics. You have to think a little because the buttons actually change functions depending on the on screen option selected.
The only real wish that I have is to be able to adjust the subwoofer output level form the preamp. As it is now, the preout is a summed fixed level output, so adjustments for gain need to be made on your sub amp. Not a huge deal, but some songs need less or more subwoofer, so it would be nice to be able to control that.
If anyone is looking for a preamplifier solution that does not muddy their sound with needless processing, or wants a no-nonsense solution with tons of inputs for a great 2.1 channel setup...the PT-100 simply cannot be beat for the price.
Thanks Emotiva for making another great product.
