I'm assuming that all CD players/DAC and tuners have an output stage that amplifies the source signal to a standard output of (approxa) 2V. Output levels are typically high enough to directly drive the power amplifier, making high-gain preamps unnecessary.
What is the typical gain of these output stages and can it be bypassed so that the pre-output stage signal is connected directly to an active preamp?
That's what John Swenson does with his Toshiba 3950/60 mod. The signal path is tapped into just before the caps that connect the DAC to the filter / analog stage Op Amp. The improvement is phenomenal. The output is reduced by about 2 to 4dB, and the impedance is fairly high so you need to use an active preamp or integrated amp.
Say Fred; this mod procedure on the Toshiba; I have followed the progress for a while and would consider jumping in except for my past experience with modded CD players. After the fact they seemed to become boomy and bloated with less control of the bass. In your opinion this mod is a improvement I see. Any anecdotal reassurance you might provide is appreciated.
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