Stax energizer connection - direct to source or via (good) pre amp?

[astrostar59]

Hi all
 
I have my Stax SRM-313 connected through my Audio Note tubed pre-amp output, and set the volume on the Stax
to full and have the pre-amp at 1/4 for good volume. I think it sounds good.
 
What is the norm? Do you guys connect it direct to your source or via a tape loop on your pre-amp
(so none amplified by a pre-amp).
 
I note WOO recommend connecting their GES direct to the source....
 
Any insight would be really helpfull.

 

[paaj]

It's an amplifier with it's own pre-amp inside that you would normally connect straight to the source... your pre-amp probably has a tape-out that you can use for it that is unamplified, or you can use the loop of the Stax first. These ways you'll avoid a pre-amp stage. I guess it depends on your quality priority which way you choose.
 
I used to connect my Stax to the tape-loop, mostly to use it with more sources, but then I got a second DAC and split the whole system in two.