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PS Audio Stellar Gain DAC/Pre-amp as first foray into separate pre-amp?

Well, I've been researching and considering various pre-amps with home theater bypass, but just came across this much more affordable PS Audio Stellar Gain DAC/pre-amp.  The idea is to get something for two channel audio that has home theater bypass, so as to be able to continue to use my Denon AVR for movies and multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio.  But I want to improve the CD and flac playback I'm now getting out of the AVR.  I would also want to get better two channel SACD audio quality than I get through the AVR over HDMI, but it seems that I would have to purchase a proprietary PS Audio SACD player that has the I2S connector to make that happen. 

The plan would be to connect my universal player via optical or coaxial digital to the Stellar Gain DAC, instead of my current signal path of the Oppo into the AVR via HDMI.  I would also connect my turntable(high output MC cartridge) to the Stellar Gain unit.  I could also connect the optical digital output from my 4K TV to the Stellar gain.  The Stellar Gain unit would be connected to my Krell FPB 400cx power amp via XLR cables(I'm not sure if this would be a good output impedance match). 

The Stellar Gain DAC/pre-amp seems very reasonably priced, at $1,700, for its capabilities and for the sound quality indicated by professional reviews.  Plus, near mint used units are available for ~$1,200.  Thoughts? 
mtrot
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
@ auxinput
Thanks, I've been looking at a DIN phono interconnect from Audio Sensibility for my turntable. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Cool.   One comment about Audio Sensibility.  If you are looking at the Statement Silver or the Signature Silver DIN phono cables, I don't think you can get anything better (if silver is what you are after).  I have experience with the Impact and other Audio Sensibilty copper cables.  Even though he uses OCC copper in these, they are NOT solid-core, and aren't that great.  If you are looking for an OCC copper based tonearm cable, I would recommend the Wire World Eclipse 7 tonearm cable instead.
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Thanks, it was the Impact that I was considering.  The price is $199, Canadian.

https://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/phono-cables-occ-copper-and-occ-silver/#!/Impact-SE-Str...
Looks like the WW Eclipse 7 will run me more than twice the price.


auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Yeah, often you get what you pay for.  You could try the Kimber TAK-CU for $265.  I think that's the next nearest thing to solid-core.   Audioquest has their Wildcat for $89 - it is solid core, but I don't know if it performs well for phono.  lol.
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
So, I purchased a Stellar Gain DAC/pre, which should be shipped today.  For my XLR cable to the power amp, I'm currently looking at Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 or 8.  The only problem is that I need 1.5 meter length and the seller is asking $700 for the only used one I can find.  Yikes! 
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