2. amps-preamps
  3. 119381-71521

DAC vs. Preamp

I have just purchased Parasound JC1 Monos and will be getting Triton Ones soon. I will be using an Arcam cd player and Macbook Pro. I think I'm done with vinyl. Too much work. Would a good DAC be sufficient in this configuration or is a preamp still the way to go. I don't want the DAC to be a weak link yet money is definitely a concern. This is a brand-new system so I'm wide open to suggestions. Help,please.


                                                                                                                             Thanks, Mike

128x128bubba12
ricred1
2,015 posts
 
I've tried DAC only twice; first time with a PS Audio DSD, second time with the Bricasti M1...my ears prefer the sound with a preamp in the system. I currently have a Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC and Jeff Rowland Corus preamp. It's sounds much better than a DAC functioning as a DAC/preamp.
bubba12's avatar
bubba12 OP
437 posts
 
Thanks for the knowledge. I'm getting the opinion that almost no one thinks going without a preamp is a good idea. I thought that would be the case.

jon2020's avatar
jon2020
986 posts
 
Ricred1,
Congrats on the recent upgrade to your system.
Can you please describe the difference between going direct from the Aeris dac to power amps vs through the Corus preamp?
I have heard the Corus in my system but not the Aeris dac.
Thanks in advance.
J. :)
srosenberg's avatar
srosenberg
209 posts
 
i'm also firmly in the 'better with a dedicated preamp' camp.  wanting to simplify my system as much as possible, i've tried several times to remove the pre and use a DAC (wyred, weiss, etc, etc) to control volume, but have always found that i prefer my system with a dedicated linestage.  while there is seemingly consensus in this thread, if you search the archives, you will find opinions do vary on the subject.  in my case, i absolutely prefer my system with a dedicated pre.  YMMV!!
mesch
3,484 posts
 
I have a Bryston BDA-1 which I bought used on AG. I often see a used BDA-2 for sale also. I have the Arcam 137 used as a transport and USB?SPdif converter for my MAC Mini.  The Bryston products lean toward the analytical/transparent side. I use a tube preamp.  Several inputs on the Bryston, XLR and RCA outputs. 

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