remote control, flexibility, programability, sound quality

no tape loop (no big deal)

My system consists of the following:

Magnepan MMG
Def Tech CLR1000B Center Channel Speaker
Sound Dynamics Bipolar Surround Speakers
Mirage PS-1290 subwoofer
Audio Alchemy DLC preamps (2)
Sony STR-DB830 receiver
ATI-1502 amp (front left/right)
Marantz MA500amp (center)
Pioneer DV-525
Pioneer CLD-D704
Denon DCM-370
Z-MAN ASE
Zenith Inteq 35" TV
RCA DSS receiver with DD output
One For All Cinema 7 with learning
Adcom ACE-515 Line Conditioner

As you can see, I have accumulated a very diverse list of audio and video components. Having started with a traditional, high-end, purist two channel system, I had a tough time implementing home theater. I did not have either the space or the money to have separate rigs, and I have constantly struggled with the compromise between sound quality and convenience.

After purchasing the Sony STR-DB830 receiver, I decided to use it strictly as a preamp processor, using the internal amps to drive only the rear surround speakers. While I have been greatly impressed with the Sony for this use, its two channel music has always left much to be desired. The sound is generally flat and uninvolving. Even when scanning the multitude of generally high marks in this website for the Sony, two channel music reproduction is often either ignored or damned with faint praise.

Having owned an Audio Alchemy DLC preamp in the past, it dawned on me that adding two of them to my system would greatly improve two channel music sound reproduction with no loss of convenience. Here is what I did: Since the DLC can be programmed with a maximum and minimum volume for each input, I programmed one DLC to handle only my CD player on one input, and the preout left/right from the Sony on the second input. One output feeds the ATI amp, while the other sends a signal to the other DLC. On the other DLC, I programmed two inputs for unity gain, connecting the full range signal from the first DLC to one input, and the subwoofer output from the Sony on the other. The second DLC outputs to my subwoofer. In this way, with one touch of the remote, I can switch the Sony completely out of the circuit when listening to two channel music, while still allowing the use of my subwoofer for both two channel music and home theater.

Once I set up my system this way, musical details heretofore missing just jumped out of the Magnepans. There was more depth, width, and a much more realistic tone to voices and instruments. Then, with one touch of the button, T-Rex was once again ripping its way through my living room. Although I had tried this same setup with other preamps in the past, they were no where near as easy to use, as I would have to fiddle with the volume knob, manually switch inputs for both the source and the subwoofer, etc.

It is a true shame that Audio Alchemy went out of business. Thankfully, these preamps do come up from time to time on the used market, with prices in the $150 range. With no moving parts, they are more or less built to last forever, and there are technicians available to fix them in the event something were to go wrong.

Give one a try, you won't go wrong.

Similar Products Used:

Creek OBH-12