Hello:
I have an RS150B arriving tomorrow that I plan to connect to my Parasound JC5 with XLR interconnect cables. I have been reading that connecting the RS150B to an amplifier using the RS150B preamp does not yield the highest quality sound, and it is better to go through a separate preamp/dac. I am wondering, however, if the sound quality could be improved by adjusting the output settings/parameters of the RS150B.
If som given the following input parameters of my Parasound JC5, what should I set the output settings of the RS150B to?
Input Impedance
Unbalanced: 33kΩ
Balanced: 66kΩ,(33kΩ per leg)
Total Gain
29dB
Input Sensitivity for 28.28V Output into 8 Ω
Unbalanced: 1V
Balanced: 1V per leg
Thanks in advance,
Raul
First - congrats to your new device.
You can of course use the RS150B as a Preamp. And I don’t understand why people say such things.
I don’t use it as a Preamp but I did it for some testing. Sound is then same (as it uses the same DAC).
You need to set up the RS150B first to have it in Pre-Amp mode. then turn the volume down to 0, and then turn on the Parasound.
And I don’t know what you mean with improved sound quality?
If you use an external Preamp - you can setup the OUT Voltage to fit it to your preamp.
Internal this is not needed.
Its all written in the manual - please read through.
Thank you for your attention and I am sorry I did not make myself very clear.
What I meant was that I have noted from several web reviews as well as on YouTube that when listening the RS150B connected to an amplifier, the sound stage, clarity, detail, presence, musicality etc. were not as good, pronounced, evident as when the RS150B was connected to a separate preamplifier.
Thanks again
Raul
Hello, this is an argument that cannot be generalized. In my opinion, the maximum sound performance depends on the sum of all the components involved. I personally prefer connecting my rose rs150b to the preamp (which is the same brand as the power amp). There is more harmony, more involvement and I find that the sound message is better blended than the direct connection of the 150b to the final. In the end, the best way to determine which solution is preferable is to test in your system.
Well yes, the total is greater than the sum of its parts. In the case of the reviews I read or saw, the reviewers were using all the same equipment, with the ‘integration’ of an external preamp vs straight connect Hifi rose RS150B to amplifier.
In any case, I’ll keep a lookout for new developments and improvements in Chicago.
I received my 150b last week. I run a pair of Parasound A21+ along with a P6. I was planning on selling the P6 but after trying both the 150b and P6 as my preamp, the P6 is not leaving my house. I did not like the digital volume control on the 150b compared to the Burr Brown analog resistor ladder volume control of the P6. The 150b as a preamp didn’t sound so great to me.
As for using the 150b as a dac/ streamer run through my P6 - it is lovely! I’m a bit confused on matching the input impedance of the 150b to my P6. My P6 is as follows, and I’m using the balanced input on the P6 from the 150b. Any input on this would be appreciated, and I did read the manual but it was not clear on this setting.
Preamplifier Stage Input Sensitivity
300 mV in for 1 V
Total Gain: 10 dB
Max Output: 7.5V
Input Impedance
Unbalanced: 24 k Ω
Balanced: 100 k Ω per leg
The RS150B’s output impedance is 50 ohms and will go great with your preamp.
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I am glad you joined the discussion corraborating and substantu=iating what I started this conversation with. What I have read or seen from reviews is the same as what you experienced and so did I at a dealer doing a/b with rs150b preamp to amp vs rs150b dac to external preamp and amp. It’s the sound of the rs150b preamp that falls short.
On a separate issue, have you exprerienced a loud burst on the speakers when the rs150b is turned off before the amplifier? I read about that issue here in this forum and I am wondering if it has been solved. It would have been nice if the rs150b came with triggers.
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I have not had a single loud burst with my 150b. I usually keep my gear ON all the time. The few times I’ve shut the 150b down it has been quick to respond and glitch free.