'Synergy' question

[Pycroft]

Hello all...

Typical 'James' question here. Can I assume that purchasing a preamplifier that is the same brand as my amplifier will automatically make for more synergy to my system? I hear people talk all the time that they are going to an integrated, because then you take the guesswork out of it. I have, what I feel, is a very good tube preamplifier (See my sig). I do not feel like I'm missing anything, but then again, perhaps I could be getting a more precise sound if I had more 'synergy' in my components. My amp is also in my sig - Odyssey Stratos dual mono amplifiers. This is a tube preamp made by Odyssey: http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-candela.html. So...is there any reason to believe that getting this preamp will NOT help my system? I'm assuming if they are made by the same company, that they are made to work together? My hope is to find someone selling one used, and do a fair value trade. I'll keep my eyes open, but am not sure if it's even worth investigating.

Thanks,

James

[tonyb]

Only one way to find out James.

But in reality your answer is no, doesn't have to be the same brand to have great synergy. Alot of times it comes down to impendence mismatches between gear too.

[Pycroft]

Is there a 'scientific' way to tell if one would work better? I can find the 'stats' on my current preamp and put that up here. What else works towards or against synergy?

[Pycroft]

Here is my current preamplifier:
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/TAD-150.html

[heiney9]

In a word NO.

It might be more "compatible" electrically if you have an oddball amplifier, but it doesn't guarantee the best synergy. Although there is something to be said for a house sound. My point is there is no definite answer. If you want to play it quick and safe, then buy the same brand and be done with it.

H9

P.s I would never have discovered the Joy of Tubes if I had just stuck with one brand of components.

[zingo]

The best synergy I've ever experienced was between a passive preamp and an SS amp. As mentioned before, you can look at the numbers, but your ears will be your guide like everything in audio. You could also surf the forums and see what preamps other people have successfully paired with that line of amplifiers. That might give you a good idea as well.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

There is so much more to synergy than having 'matched' gear from the same company. In fact, I've often found better results when mixing brands from different companies. If it were as simple as 'buy everything from company A' then you would have many fewer discussions like this.

Synergy is a very tricky thing, and there's an element of luck as well. I've been through countless rigs and spent several thousand dollars trying to find the perfect setup for me, and while I've had several good rigs I've never found the perfect sound. Strangely enough, the rig that I have now in the living room is the best sounding rig that I've ever owned, and it's one of the less expensive and nowhere near high end. I didn't plan it that way, it just happened to work out, completely luck.

The rig in the office is more expensive and has 'better' gear, but I find myself enjoying the PSB rig with the Pio receiver more, just goes to show you how weird synergy can be.

Don't be afraid to try that new preamp, but don't assume that it'll necessarily improve sound either.

[steveinaz]

Sometimes synergy involves "balancing" of equipment characteristics. Let's say you find your speakers a little bright in the top end, choosing a more laid-back cd player can somewhat off-set this inbalance, bringing you better synergy.

[Pycroft]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I guess, unless someone has an Odyssey tube pre for me to demo, I would rather not trade one that may not better my system. I guess, if you don't know what you don't have, you won't miss it. I'm very pleased with what I have, so that answers that :)

Thanks again!

James

[tonyb]

I guess, if you don't know what you don't have, you won't miss it. James

See now James, I can't go along with that. While there is truth to your statement, you also will discover nothing.

[zingo]

Do you have any local buddies you can swap equipment with to try new things? That is often the easiest way without having to buy something.