2. amps-preamps
  3. 1416004597

Do I really need a preamp?

As I continue to upgrade my system, I keep asking myself this. I'm looking at the Benchmark DAC2. Since it acts as a preamp, do I really need one? Currently I'm using Peachtree 220 with the NovaPre and it sounds nice, but like the way these things go, I think it could sound even better. With the upgrade, I'm thinking I can eliminate the Pre and run the DAC2 with a new amp (thinking D-Sonic maybe)but I'm not sure.

Any useful information would be appreciated. Pretty new to all this, but deeply obsessed.
robcentola
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
As long as you don't need analog inputs or anything like DSP or room correction, you should be able to do this. I know that when I direct connected my Oppo BDP-93 to my power amp it sounded very good indeed...
mitch2
4,114 posts
 
The Ncore NC1200 Class D amps were the first I heard that sounded anywhere close to as good through a passive preamp as through an active or buffered preamp. With the D-Sonic you may meet your goals without a preamp. If you already own the preamp I would definitely try it both ways.
BTW, if your source is a computer, you can do room correction through your player, probably as a plug-in.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
I really do as it sounds much better if you have a great preamp as i do.
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