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Source vs. DAC vs. Preamp Importance?

Current Setup:

1. PSB Synchrony 2 Spkrs
2. Parasound Halo A21 Amp
3. Marantz AVR as a preamp
4. No Source yet (looking for a CDP)

I have 2000$ left to complete my setup. I was looking at a decent CDP w/preamp like the Audiolab 8200CDQ....but also thought maybe keep the AVR as a preamp and spend the 2000$ on a better used CDP only? The problem with the AVR is that it won't pass through a signal, it would convert A-D and then D-A before sending signal to my amp, how much would that degrade the sound from a good CDP? Is it better to get a great CDP and run it through an AVR's DAC....or get a pretty good CDP w/pretty good built in preamp?

If I had this to do over again I would have spent more evenly across all components. I am a newbie and any advice would be much appreciated!
watsonblues
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The speakers are the most important component in any system.

Find a pair that knocks you out and work backwards.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Wyred4sound will require the software installation while Antelope would not... just plug and play. MyTek is even more versatile than both Antelope and Wyred, but all of these excellent DACS will be very easy to handle and use. For me having a great headphone section is important so I'd stay for Mytek, Grace M903 or Antelope.
spinaker01
491 posts
 
Have to agree with Audiofeil, speakers will make a much bigger difference to the overall system sound than a DAC will. Get a pair that works well with the room (and your tastes) then find an amp that likes to drive them. The front end stuff can be focused on after that and you will actually get to hear the differences they make. Adding a $10K dac or pre amp to a poorly balanced and integrated speaker/room combination will ultimately prove to be unproductive.
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