DAC plus Preamp or DAC-Preamp or DAC-Volume Control ?

@dsper   I was holding off on updating the thread for another week or two. I wanted to have my system settled, prior to doing so.

In essence, I followed your advice and went with an active preamplifier/linestage.

There were a number of consultations 'behind the scenes' with a number of folks on whether the DAC+Volume Control, Passive Pre, or Active Pre would be a fit. A number of brands and models, of each type, were also discussed and considered.

I came very close to going forward with a Nagra HD DAC (which has a volume control) but the general and specific advice was that it would not be the best fit. That (process) also clarified the reasons and need to eliminate DACs with volume controls. 

Given my experience with driving the 2A3 amps with the T+A Pre-outs, and my future speaker choice (and again after a ton of consultation), passive preamps have also been eliminated.

I settled on going active with sufficient gain. The Robert Koda Takumi K-10 and the Grandinote Genesi were my top choices. The third choice was the CJ GAT 2.

This has been the most exhaustive (and exhausting) and time consuming process for a single component I've personally been through.

I chose to go with the Grandinote Genesi, at this time. 

It is in system, but since it is truly / fully balanced (only) I have a properly configured female XLR to male RCA  IC on order.

@david_ten


 
FWIW its possible to set up an SET to accept and process balanced signals in the differential domain- so no need for an adapter. The mod can be done to any SET and is really quite simple!

Hi david_ten,

You ended up in some rarefied atmosphere🤑!

My sincere hope is that you truly enjoy your choice.

It will be interesting to hear your listening impressions once things meld together a bit.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

@atmasphere  Thanks, Ralph. How would I go about doing so?

@dsper  Thank you!  I will be sure to update in a few weeks.