#1
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To Preamplify or not to Preamplify...that is the question.
I've been going back and forth on either upgrading my current DAC (with digital volume control), or buying a proper preamp (tube or solid state). There are a host of opinions on the subject. I thought I'd start a thread discussing the merits of the preamp, or merits of a shorter signal path going DAC direct.
What are your experiences out there in AA land? To preamp...or not preamp!!!
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Main > Aurender N10/N100 / Antipodes K50 > Aries Cerat Kassandra mk2 - Playback Designs Dream DAC > D'agostino Momentum HD > PS Audio P10 > D'Agostino S250 > Sonus Faber Aida / REL S812 Six Pack + 4 JL Audio F113 Fathoms > B&W Signature HTM > Anthem Statement D2v > Mcintosh MC205 > Focal 1000 (side surrounds) > Bryston TIW (rear surrounds) Secondary System > Aurender N100h> AMR777SE > D'agostino Momentum Integrated > Wilson Sasha DAW |
#2
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If your DAC has a proper Pre stage, then you don't need one (unless you need additional inputs for something).
First three that come to mind: McIntosh MDA1000, AMR DP-777 (even has analog inputs), Bel Canto DAC3.5bv MKII.
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Main: McIntosh XRT1K MDA1000 MC402 | JL F113 | Bryston BUC-1 | WireWorld Cabling | RGPC1200C | PPP
Office: Bel Canto S300iu 24/96 | KEF LS50 | REL R218 | WW Mini Eclipse | 18 TB Media Server Mobile: McIntosh MX406 MDA5000 MCD4000 MCC420M | JM Lab/Focal Utopia |
#3
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Thanks for the reply. I currently have the W4S DAC2 and have been considering getting the DSDse upgrade. I am all digital for inputs, except HT bypass as my system is integrated.
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Main > Aurender N10/N100 / Antipodes K50 > Aries Cerat Kassandra mk2 - Playback Designs Dream DAC > D'agostino Momentum HD > PS Audio P10 > D'Agostino S250 > Sonus Faber Aida / REL S812 Six Pack + 4 JL Audio F113 Fathoms > B&W Signature HTM > Anthem Statement D2v > Mcintosh MC205 > Focal 1000 (side surrounds) > Bryston TIW (rear surrounds) Secondary System > Aurender N100h> AMR777SE > D'agostino Momentum Integrated > Wilson Sasha DAW |
#4
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I'd vote for new DAC over upgrading.
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Main: McIntosh XRT1K MDA1000 MC402 | JL F113 | Bryston BUC-1 | WireWorld Cabling | RGPC1200C | PPP
Office: Bel Canto S300iu 24/96 | KEF LS50 | REL R218 | WW Mini Eclipse | 18 TB Media Server Mobile: McIntosh MX406 MDA5000 MCD4000 MCC420M | JM Lab/Focal Utopia |
#5
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I've thought about a new DAC as well.
But I'd really like to get AA members direct experience on going DAC direct vs. DAC to preamp. If the best preamp is adding no color or sound signature whatsoever...isn't the best preamp removing one from the chain altogether? Anyone out there remove the preamp from their chain and not look back? Or the opposite, add a preamp and not look back?
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Main > Aurender N10/N100 / Antipodes K50 > Aries Cerat Kassandra mk2 - Playback Designs Dream DAC > D'agostino Momentum HD > PS Audio P10 > D'Agostino S250 > Sonus Faber Aida / REL S812 Six Pack + 4 JL Audio F113 Fathoms > B&W Signature HTM > Anthem Statement D2v > Mcintosh MC205 > Focal 1000 (side surrounds) > Bryston TIW (rear surrounds) Secondary System > Aurender N100h> AMR777SE > D'agostino Momentum Integrated > Wilson Sasha DAW |
#6
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That's interesting. I have the Bel Canto DAC3.5vb MKII but I've never tried it without my C2300. I have a hunch that I prefer it with the preamp. I'll give that a try tonight.
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#7
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Quote:
And you are correct, the pre adds (or removes) color.
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Main: McIntosh XRT1K MDA1000 MC402 | JL F113 | Bryston BUC-1 | WireWorld Cabling | RGPC1200C | PPP
Office: Bel Canto S300iu 24/96 | KEF LS50 | REL R218 | WW Mini Eclipse | 18 TB Media Server Mobile: McIntosh MX406 MDA5000 MCD4000 MCC420M | JM Lab/Focal Utopia |
#8
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Quote:
Cincy
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MSB Select II DAC MSB M500 Monoblocks Magico M3 Speakers Magico Q-Sub 15 Subwoofers (2) Transparent Opus Gen5 speaker cables and Interconnects PS Audio P20 regenerator Roon file management |
#9
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I'm anxious to hear what you discover mgbaron! I suspect you'll note the c2300 smooths out the sound considerably which "colors" the sound. I'd guess that without a pre is more "accurate" in your case, but with the pre is more pleasing.
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Main > Aurender N10/N100 / Antipodes K50 > Aries Cerat Kassandra mk2 - Playback Designs Dream DAC > D'agostino Momentum HD > PS Audio P10 > D'Agostino S250 > Sonus Faber Aida / REL S812 Six Pack + 4 JL Audio F113 Fathoms > B&W Signature HTM > Anthem Statement D2v > Mcintosh MC205 > Focal 1000 (side surrounds) > Bryston TIW (rear surrounds) Secondary System > Aurender N100h> AMR777SE > D'agostino Momentum Integrated > Wilson Sasha DAW |
#10
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Quote:
If you get bored and have a link to your favorite one it'll make me happy too .
__________________
Main > Aurender N10/N100 / Antipodes K50 > Aries Cerat Kassandra mk2 - Playback Designs Dream DAC > D'agostino Momentum HD > PS Audio P10 > D'Agostino S250 > Sonus Faber Aida / REL S812 Six Pack + 4 JL Audio F113 Fathoms > B&W Signature HTM > Anthem Statement D2v > Mcintosh MC205 > Focal 1000 (side surrounds) > Bryston TIW (rear surrounds) Secondary System > Aurender N100h> AMR777SE > D'agostino Momentum Integrated > Wilson Sasha DAW |
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