Preamp/DAC Suggestions


I'm currently using a Rogue Sphinx v2 as a preamp with a Mytek Brooklyn amp. Looking for ideas for preamps. I primarily stream Tidal/Qobuz from a BlueSound using a Schiit Multibit DAC but also have my tv plugged into the DAC and use the Rogue for volume control. Speakers are Focal Aria 926s. Looking for something that will give me a really quiet background and more soundstage. Also open to upgrading DAC if that's where I'll get more bang for buck. Budget is under $5000 for DAC and preamp. Other option would be upgrading the integrated and selling Rogue and Mytek, but I like being able to switch around pieces to play with the sound. I'm open to tubes or solid state but really like a totally dark background. 

128x128grateful_dad

@evank I used the amp section of the Rogue for awhile and then went looking for upgrade options. I tried a couple other integrated amplifiers I liked okay but none that I could afford and upgraded the sound of the Sphinx. Then a shop near me had a used Mytek Brooklyn Amp they let me audition at home. I found it really added a lot of detail and improved sound at both lower and higher volumes. Since it was what I could afford at the time, I ran with it and have been happy with the combination for the past couple years. I've rolled a few tubes through the Sphinx and found some better than others to my ears. I'm using Electro-Harmonix ECC82H Golds right now and like them better than the others I've tried. I can't recall offhand if I've tried Mullards, but I think I did for awhile.

I'm not really sure I want to use tubes going forward in my main system. My kids and wife use the system for tv and often leave it on, which seems to burn through the tubes. I do like the tube sound and think I'll end up with a dedicated tube system for my office. But in the main living room system, I'm leaning solid state. The best integrated I've sampled in my home so far is the Atoll IN-200, which may be what I end up with. But I'm thinking I'd rather go with separates just for the fun and variety of being able to upgrade a piece at a time to see how I like the sound. There's an Atoll PR300 preamp available for under $1000 right now that might be a good fit. Then I could upgrade the DAC and eventually the amp. 

@audiotroy I auditioned the ST200 and loved it. But like I wrote above, I'm hesitant to go all in on one piece as it doesn't leave as much room to play with future upgrades. Though I suppose the speakers would be the next upgrade if I went with the ST200. What speakers do you find match best to the Atoll? 

@grateful_dad one thing to consider is that in your $5000 price range (and even above) it’s unlikely you will get a DAC with a built in preamp that will be better than a dedicated preamp. I would focus on a DAC first and not worry too much about the built in preamp. You have few choices, and just to name a few…

Benchmark DAC3 L or HGC (even has analog input)

PS Audio Direct Stream Digital DSD (a bargain now that a new model is anticipated)

Bricasti M3 

You can get PS Audio and Bricasti with a built in network player that would eliminate the need for your Bluesound if you use Roon

I'm not really sure I want to use tubes going forward in my main system. My kids and wife use the system for tv and often leave it on, which seems to burn through the tubes.

Well, that would’ve been nice information to have upfront.  Thanks. 

@soix sorry about that. I should have specified i was looking for solid state. Thanks for taking the time to offer your recommendations. I'm definitely going to check out that Pontus II DAC. Maybe that with the Odyssey @atblackbag20 recommends. I'll go tubes in my office system for sure.