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Preamp or DAC

Hello all. My system consists of the following:

Coda 16 Amp, Coda 07x preamp, Holo May KTE Dac, Aurender N20, Legacy Audio Signature SE speakers and a pair of REL 812 subs. I am considering changing either the preamp or Dac. I would like to go with tubes. Would you think I would get more sq change in changing the preamp or Dac? I am thinking Dac but I wanted to hear your opinions. Considering ARC, new Don Sachs or Aric Audio in pres and Lampizator or other in DACs. So, would the preamp or DAC make a bigger difference? I will say I have a $12k to $15k budget.

Thanks

backdoor
zlone
607 posts
 

Nice system! I would vote preamp for sure. The May is well reviewed and well liked. I have a Coda #8 and tried the 07x, it was not my favorite out of the four solid state preamps I tried. Each one was unique and made a big difference, I think a DAC change would be more subtle. Given your system and budget, this will be a seismic upgrade. I will leave tube preamp recommendations for those with experience with the gear. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,597 posts
 

Replace them both with a good tube DAC. I use a lampizator tube dac and no pre. However, the volume control on the Lampi isn’t great so I use a Transformer Volume Control.

Jerry

backdoor OP
106 posts
 

Thank you for your input. Interesting thoughts. I had always believed the preamp mad a difference in whatever system I had at the time. I have tried eliminating the preamp and it has not sounded quite right to me. However, I have not tried it with a Dac the caliber of pretty much any of the Lampis. 

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