One of the latest arrivals here is Hegel’s new P20 preamp, a lower-cost alternative to their reference-level P30 that is nevertheless one of the most transparent and one of the best sounding preamps I’ve ever had in the store.  It’s the first time I’ve had a Hegel preamp to accompany my H20 Hegel power amp (200wpc, fully balanced design), and the combination highlights the benefits of brand synergy.  This is not surprising, as manufacturers will naturally use their own products as ancillary equipment when developing new components.  What you may find surprising, though, is that the H20 power amp sounded much better with the P20 preamp than it did without ANY analog preamp at all (using the HD25 DAC as a digital preamp).  One might think that removing a component and simplifying the signal path would naturally lead to better sound quality.  But this did not happen.  Wiring the P20 between the HD25 and H20 led to obvious sonic improvements in both dynamics and soundstage.  This fact reminds me once again about how important the preamp is in the signal chain from source to speakers.

I’ve often heard it said that the preamp is the most difficult audio component to make.  Not only is it switching sources and providing volume control, it is doing so when the signal is at its most vulnerable to noise and distortion.  It’s a delicate operation: while the amp is like a power tool, the preamp is like a surgical instrument, gingerly performing its tasks without hurting the health of the “patient” (in this case, the signal that is destined to be transformed into music by the loudspeakers).  Since every model of preamp is unique in its design and construction, the results from brand-to-brand (and even between different models of the same brand) vary significantly.  All other variables being equal, it’s amazing how different a system sounds when swapping preamps.  Detail, transparency, dynamic range, soundstage and imaging: all these areas (and more) are deeply effected by the choice of preamp.  But don’t take my word for it: come in for a listen and let your ears convince you.

0

Posted:

Categories: Uncategorized

Our Brands

We carry audio and video equipment by Amphion, Audioquest, Aurender, Auris Audio, Backert Labs, Bluesound, Bob Carver Corp, Cambridge Audio, Clearaudio, Control4, Crestron, Dynaudio, Focal, GoldenEar, Grado, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel Music Systems, HiFiMAN, Kimber Kable, Klipsch, Lehmann Audio, Liberty AV Solutions, Luxman, Magico Audio, McIntosh, Monitor Audio, Musical Fidelity, NAD Electronics, Nordost, Oracle, Ortofon, Plinius, PSB, Rega, Rogue Audio, Salamander Designs, Solid Tech, Soltanus Acoustics, Sonner, Sonos, Sony, Soundcast, Spin Clean, Sutherland Engineering, Tsakiridis Devices, Totem Acoustic, Triangle and Yamaha.

Locations & Hours

UPSTATE NY

1048 State Route 9
Queensbury, New York 12804
(518) 792-3528
jtavares@adkav.com

Record Store Hours:
Tuesday through Friday,
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hifi Store Hours:
By Appointment Only.

 

NEW YORK CITY

442 West 44th Street,
New York, New York 10036
**By appointment only.
Please call (646) 327-3158 to make an appointment.

VERMONT

32 Vermont Route 30
Bonville, Vermont 05340
Open seven days a week
Monday to Saturday,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday,
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ADKAV

Adirondack Audio & Video is the premier hi-fi store and custom integrator in northern New York State, now with locations in Vermont and Brooklyn.

We specialize in the custom installation and integration of “smart home” automation systems, audio and video distribution, home theaters, and surveillance systems.

Return Policy

• In-stock items: 30-Day return policy for a full refund.
• Special order items: 30-day return policy for store credit, minus a 15% re-stocking fee.
• Built-to-order items: 50% deposit required. Balance is due before the item ships to the store. Equipment is covered by manufacturer’s warranties, but ALL SALES ARE FINAL.