2. amps-preamps
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Preamps with Dual XLR Outputs

I am looking for preamps with dual XLR outputs to drive 2 separate stereo amps which are connected to 2 different speakers sets. My understanding is the Mola Mola Makua w/DAC and streaming board that is ROON READY can do this. It costs $20K and is my leading contender for my next preamp + DAC + streamer. I am going to output the signal to a Benchmark AHB2 amp + KEF LS50 speakers for one path. The other path is Luxman m900u amp + Yamaha NS 5000 speakers. My understanding is that turning off one of the amps stops the preamp from using that signal path. Perfect. I have heard all the components except the Mola Mola Makua so I will likely do a home trial on that.

My question is what other brands have an analog preamp with dual XLR outputs to do what I describe above? The preamp does not need to support an internal DAC. I could go for an external DAC like a LUMIN X1 or Denafrips Terminator.

BTW - if the Mola Mola Makua or any other brand cannot support my use case (I have been told it can). I will buy 1 preamp, such as the Benchmark LA4 to go to the AHB2 + LS50 system and also buy a DAC, such as Lumin X1,  to go direct to the Luxman + Yamaha system. Both speakers will be in the same room.
yyzsantabarbara
yyzsantabarbara OP
4,873 posts
 
I had some big plans with this thread's initial question.

I ended up with 2 2-channel systems and 2 headphone systems and did not need the dual XLR outputs from a single preamp. I decided to use headphones in the same room as my big speakers. So no need to have 2 speakers sets in this room and 2 XLR outputs from a single preamp.

I used the Benchmark HPA4 preamp for the big 2 channel system.
The second 2 channel system in another floor is setup with a Krell K-300i integrated.

The CODA CSiB integrated is used on headphone system 1.
The Topping A90 headphone amp for headphone system 2 (along with the Benchmark HPA4).

This is a lot cheaper than I initially planned and sounds great.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,834 posts
 
That Topping is a pretty impressive DAC!
yyzsantabarbara OP
4,873 posts
 
I did not get the Topping D90 DAC I got the Topping A90 headphone amp and the Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 Pro DAC which is in the same price range as the Topping D90 DAC. It would have made sense to go Topping D90 and A90 stack but my research indicated that the Matrix would be a better choice with respect to much better features and equivalent sound.

I listen to this combo when I go to sleep and it is amazing with my slightly warm sounding Meze Empy headphones.
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
@smodtactical,
Yes, the MP-1 comes very close to the KX-R, with the latter having a bit more definition in the bass.
I just switched from the KX-R to the MP-1 and, to be honest, noticed a bit more 'atmosphere'. Mind you the KX-R is not the Twenty upgrade, and the Atma is basically stock.
If finances allow, I will upgrade the KX-R to Twenty status and upgrade the MP-1 with Caddock resistors ( and anything else Ralph can come up with).
Bob
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