Many thanks Wayne. Thats where my head is at ie the straightest connection should sound the best and not colourized by other inputs. As mentioned in an earlier post I will listen to some preamps next week at the TAVES show in Toronto. I am very happy with my 2 channel audio & with diminishing returns I can't imagine the audio sounding better if I added a preamp into the mix. However in this hobby we strive to get every ounce of performance we can requiring us to continually reexamine options. I guess its the nature of the beast.

Hi Wayne

I agree. The shortest audio signal path should yield the best audio results. So I will test that logic when I sample some preamps this weekend. I looked at your reasons for using a pre amp & I must admit I don't line up with any of those. My room is integrated 2 channel plus home theater I run 2 channel using a balanced connection Oppo 105d to Bryston 4bsst2. For home theater I run rca Onkyo 5508 to Bryston 4bsst2 & Emotiva XPA 5. When I listen to 2 channel I just move the switch to balanced & vice versa for HT. I also listen to 2 channel in pure/direct mode so no room correction. This ones a mystery to me pure direct mode sounds sweet with no Audtssey xt32 must be all the acoustic panels/bass traps I'm using. Plus I am running Triton Ones full band with no subs lots of bass with gain switch set to 9 oclock. For Ht I am using Audyssey through the Onkyo with both subs. So standing back & looking at this I may very well forgo a preamp altogether but as I mentioned I will listen to some preamps for comparison.

Hi T Cobe

Yes the 105d has a pre amp circuit & has a digital volume control. I have used the 105 for about 3 weeks now & I have not heard any clicks or pops when adjusting the volume control dead quiet. I continue to be very happy with this product.

Hi Dm

I will check out Kimber xlrs this weekend at the Taves audio show. Glad to hear to like them coupled with the 4bsst2.

Many thanks

Dwight wrote: Hi Dm

I will check out Kimber xlrs this weekend at the Taves audio show. Glad to hear to like them coupled with the 4bsst2.

Many thanks

I'd love to go to that show. I'm near Ottawa myself, but can't make it down to TO this weekend. I would think that Kimber would have a booth. Their cables are very well made and look pretty too.

Hi anthem

many thanks for your input. I am considering not adding a preamp but want to try some preamps just to make sure. This being the case I will certainly look at the anticables. Just to clarify the sound improvement that you are hearing were any improvements achieved without the anticables or only after adding them. I ask because the Decware Zen Torii MK4 & the OPPO 105 are sweet gear already.