Berkeley Alpha Reference run direct

I had the Berkeley and very definitely preferred it with a preamp in the chain, in my case a Tube Research Labs DUDE. Very nice combination.

Of course, if you love the sound you already have, it might be prudent to just leave it at that. As an audiophile, I've never been able to do that myself, but it seems like good advice in general.

You gotta love high end audio. A couple guys suggest vintage tube technology to breathe some life into a digital system. Another guy says he loves shut down technology and battery power to make the preamp as quiet and transparent as possible. And they might Both be right...

By the way, I'm also not saying you SHOULD do any of this.  You just asked about what else you might like to try, hence my suggestions. What you should do is up to your ears and wallet, not mine. :) 

Best,


Erik

I'm with you, Erik. I plan to bring in an Audio Research Reference 6, if for no other reason, to see what all of the buzz is about.

The question I specifically asked, was if anyone has actually heard a preamp improve the sound of a BAR, over being run directly DAC to amp.

Thus far, it seems like only cerrot has heard a Rowland that does. I've never heard that preamp, but the technical description suggests it strives to be a very transparent and neutral component.

As an aside, why are Jeff Rowland components rarely reviewed by the mainstream audio media?