5.1+ Processors with Best DACs/Preamps?


For the 5.3 system I want to build, my plan was to have JRiver feed Blu Ray disc audio to this MCH DAC via USB. https://www.oktoresearch.com/dac8pro.htm   https://www.stereophile.com/content/okto-research-dac8-pro-da-processor 

But like most DACs, the Okto’s balanced outputs only deliver ~ 4.1 volts, which KR found insufficient to drive his power amps (Benchmark AHB2, NAD C298) with DIRAC Live 3 enabled. Thus, all balanced outputs of this processor would need to supply a minimum of 10 volts/channel to offset DIRAC gain losses of almost 20db  https://www.sowter.co.uk/decibels.php , as KR mentioned in his review of the Topping Pre90. https://www.stereophile.com/content/topping-pre90-line-preamplifier

Unfortunately, there are no 8-channel preamps available, either from audiophile or pro audio brands. KR's fix was to buy three Topping preamps, which as shown in Fig. 3 its balanced outputs deliver very low distortion, and which virtually continues decreasing well beyond 10 volts.  

https://www.stereophile.com/content/topping-pre90-line-preamplifier-measurements 

But stacking three Pre90 preamps doesn't seem the most elegant solution, and KR mentioned that struggling with the Pre90's crappy remote is no fun.  

So unless I find a reputable builder to affordably custom design a MCH preamp, the only alternative would be a MCH processor with a DAC section at least as good, but ideally far better than the Okto, and with all balanced outputs delivering at least 10 or 12 volts/channel.

If yes, how likely could its own master volume/mute remote control allow reducing all balanced outputs to ~ 5 volts or less without any loss of resolution and perceptible dynamic range?  

If yes, which model (s) would also have a pair of high quality potentiometers for selectively setting levels of the front and rear/side speakers-like the ones John Curl used for designing the JC-2 preamp https://www.partsconnexion.com/tkd-potentiomters.html , which JA raved about going head to head against his Levinson 380S? https://www.stereophile.com/solidpreamps/308para/index.html See p. 10-11. https://parasound.com/pdfs/JC2Manual.pdf

Theta Digital are the only MCH processors I’m aware of which might have DAC sections at least equaling the Okto DAC 8 Pro, though I doubt its preamp performance would match that of the Parasound JC-2.

Please suggest brands/models.

Ideally, such processors would also be customizable, allowing omission of video and unbalanced connectivity, thereby minimizing final cost.

 

 

ajant

@ajant The Six Shooter was a bridge for Theta to create an analog bypass because the Casablanca didn't have one. Yes, 20 Vrms balanced Class A on all their stuff. No refurbished stuff.

Look, I know this suggestion is "far out there." It's just one of those, "judge the method by the result," kind of things. The route I described is likely the cheapest route to the best sound. It is also the most non-elegant solution. 

The route you are pursuing with an analog 8 channel preamp will yield the best results.

I haven't heard the latest Bryston dacs. Bryston makes great stuff. Theta was just always more natural sounding and Bryston was a level lower. I don't know if that's still the case. I think the dac section doesn't have nearly as much of an impact as the analog output. Jim White, of Asesthix Audio designed the analog outputs of a lot of the Theta gear.

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