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Marantz PM Ki Ruby and RME ADI 2 (Am I crazy?)

Hey guys,
My setup is node 2i > rme adi 2 dac > pm ki ruby > dynaudio special 40s.

All this while I’ve been using the RME as a dac and the marantz as pre and power.

while browsing some random stuff, I realised that the rme could also be used as a pre and the marantz just as a power amp. 

And of course, I tried.  But am I crazy to think that my system sounds better? The soundstage has widened , better imaging and overall improved sonics. Is this even possible or just my mind playing tricks? 
Please help, I’m losing it!! Lol
prashanth13485
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@gakerty well, it looks like your preamp is more expensive than my integrated and rme combined? So it better sound better.  Lol
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
Thanks everyone!

@jason thank you. You’re right, based on other comments, I believe the marantz’s pre is not as good. So I will keep it as my power amp. I doubt anything in its price range can beat it.

so potentially I could upgrade by getting a dedicated pre amp or a better streamer or both.

will the lumin u1 mini be a substantial upgrade over the node 2i if I leave everything else as it is? If so, what sort of difference can I expect in sound? Soundstage, tonality, imaging, ? 
mofojo
2,280 posts
 
Assuming you can get the volume on the RME up to where you are not bit stripping it will be the least amount of any colorations possible. RME recommends running the DAC directly into power amp. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@mofojo sorry but can you please elaborate? I’m not very technical. I’ve left the reference volume on auto (-5db). The volume on the rme is around -25db to -40db. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks again for your help!
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
IMO all streamers sound alike. Think of them as a selector box. No gain involved - so no coloration added. People that claim to hear differences are IMO just whistlin' Dixie - or trying to sell you something! 
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