2. amps-preamps
  3. 131592-103591

Looking to completely overhaul my preamp section, knowledgeable people needed!

Hi everyone, first time poster here and all that...

I'm looking to do a complete overhaul of my preamp section. I'm currently running a Schiit Modi Uber II as a DAC, a Schiit Mani as a phono stage, and a Schiit Sys as a glorified volume control. This is outputting to an Adcom GFA555 power amp (this will eventually be upgraded to an Odyssey Stratos), then to a pair of LSA 2.1 Signature speakers.

At the moment I am considering a Parasound Halo P5 as an all in one solution or a new Schiit stack (Freya, Gungir) if I stuck with separates, and possibly some of Pro-Ject's lineup (Prebox RS digital). I would like something that is solidly engineered and measures well, but I don't place *perfect* measurements above all else.

To the extent that these components effect sound, I really enjoy a wide soundstage and precise imaging. Low background noise is very important as well. In terms of usability, I definitely would like a remote, solid volume control, and fully balanced inputs and outputs. 

Finally, my budget is $2000 but would prefer to spend less. I would also consider used options. Thanks!!


primarist
erik_squires
16,398 posts
 
The P5 is just inexpensive. The P7 is a good value. 
willemj
1,036 posts
 
What sources? If only digital there is the Pioneer U 05 or for rather more money the Benchmark. Even more money would buy the forthcoming DSpeaker X4 with a range of equalization options.
avlee
84 posts
 
If I didn’t care about tube vs. SS, and I wanted to get a good DAC, I don’t see what’s wrong with a Mytek Brooklyn DAC/preamp. You can get them on eBay for under 2k. 
erik_squires
16,398 posts
 
+1 for the Mytek Brooklyn, excellent DAC with lots of inputs, MQA support, good phono.

E
primarist OP
9 posts
 
Awesome replies! So I'll hit a few points:

Those products I was considering were definitely just preliminary options (having not heard any of them). I wanted to get a conversation, like this one, going to help generate ideas since I was kind of having a hard time narrowing it down.

As far as sources go, I'm currently streaming spotify via my xbox one s as my primary digital front end, and running a Pro-Ject RPM3 with a Sumiko pearl for my analog source. In the future I definitely plan on upgrading to a MC cart, so a built in phono would be nice (but not a necessity). MQA is also nice, however for all my high res digital, I just pull local files straight from my NAS.

If you had any other suggestions *like* the Mytek in the same price range, I'd love to hear them. The more options, the better chance I'll have to demo one. The gist is that I'd basically like a preamp with the similar features to the Parasound, but higher sound quality.
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