TotalDAC D1 Driver-anyone using one yet?

From what I have read, the Totaldac d1-driver appears to be a high quality buffer amplifier. I use a unity gain (i.e., x1) buffer by SMc Audio between my DAC and my amplifiers. My DAC outputs to a passive volume control then to the buffer then to the amps.

A buffer generally has high input impedance and low output impedance to reduce/eliminate impedance mismatches and cable colorations. Even operated as a unity gain unit, a good buffer can help maintain dynamics and tonal density thereby improving the sound of DAC direct-to-amp set-ups (i.e., volume control in the DAC) and systems using passive volume controls. Based on the available reviews and pictures, the d1-driver appears to be well-made and, if I wasn’t already accommodated by the SMc unit, I would certainly give it a try.

Thanks! Now why doesn't the website say something more useful and concise like that! So, I'm digital only and have found that my streamers sound better with a preamp so that was why I was going down this path. Plus dCS doesn't seem advise using the Bartok as a volume control.  I'm recently enamored with Townsend products so  I was thinking of trying the Townsend Allegri Reference passive in place of my ARC REF 10. Can you guess how that trade would work out? I have no experience with passive preamps. I'm driving Parasound JC1+ amps which I'm told will work with a passive. 

I have no experience with ARC preamps so don't know what substituting the Townshend Allegri Reference passive in place of my ARC REF 10 will do to the sound of your system.  I believe the Townshend is an auto former or auto transformer preamp so do your homework on the collective sound of those types of units and in general expect maybe a bit more detail and maybe less color and body compared to your ARC preaamp, but that is a gross generalization based on comparing the many tubed preamps I have owned with other TVC or auto former type preamps I have had here, but without ever hearing a Townshend preamp, which I believe uses their fractal wire.  The Allegri Reference unit is pretty cool and was on my radar last year when I was looking for a passive volume control after switching DACs to one that does not have an internal volume control.  The TotalDAC D1 Driver would seem to be a good partner to the passive Allegri Reference if you like the sound of a preamp compared to the DAC direct to amp sound in your system.  Wouldn't it be great if we could try this stuff before buying it?

wokeuptobose
TotalDAC D1 Driver-anyone using one yet?



It’s obviously capacitor couple, looking at those two water tanks inside,
http://www.totaldac.com/fichiers/d1-driver-inside.jpg
http://www.totaldac.com/fichiers/d1-driver-rear-rca-xlr.jpg
Can’t see why anyone would want to do that with a solid state buffer, direct coupled would be so much easier and less costly even with dc servo if needed????

PS: Unless it’s a single ended solid state design, then it needs capacitor coupling this is probably why, could be very good, if those coupling caps are transparent enough?? A friend of mine could get one for review.

Cheers George

your comment is above my head, but may answer why there is only an RCA in to the TotalDAC Driver. I think is has both RCA and "balanced" out, but only RCA in.