Hello,
I hear you, Mapman, and I agree. Here's the thing — with Guido's wise words — it seems that the DAC and amp will do splendidly on their own without the immediate need of a pre-amp. It might be fine forever that way. So, the only thing missing in this set up is a cable. One interconnect XLR. I budgeted for that. My x-dealer raved about the cable I found on Audiogon, and it was a great deal from my point of view. Less $$ than the Transparent loaner, which I found to be a bit blah. So, I can love it or list it -- as they say, and break even. Nothing to loose. Only experience is gained. Win win situation I think. If it doesn't work, I can always try the Mogami cable. The Dac has a new fuse, a new cord, and so on — it came that way from my nephew for free. What more is there to add? How might the thing be improved? I had no other plans.
I hear you, Mapman, and I agree. Here's the thing — with Guido's wise words — it seems that the DAC and amp will do splendidly on their own without the immediate need of a pre-amp. It might be fine forever that way. So, the only thing missing in this set up is a cable. One interconnect XLR. I budgeted for that. My x-dealer raved about the cable I found on Audiogon, and it was a great deal from my point of view. Less $$ than the Transparent loaner, which I found to be a bit blah. So, I can love it or list it -- as they say, and break even. Nothing to loose. Only experience is gained. Win win situation I think. If it doesn't work, I can always try the Mogami cable. The Dac has a new fuse, a new cord, and so on — it came that way from my nephew for free. What more is there to add? How might the thing be improved? I had no other plans.