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Trying to get a general idea of SQ hierarchy for combo pre/DAC vs separate boxes

How does a combo preamp and DAC compare to separates? And do you spend more on the preamp or the DAC? I started out looking for comparisons of the PS Audio Stellar GDC because I liked the idea of its analogue volume control, but there are a lot of options. With separates I might upgrade my DAC first before I start messing with anything else. Here's a quick list with current prices on both sides of the GCD:

$ 900 - Schiit Saga ($300) & Bimby ($600)
$1500 - Schiit Freya+ ($900) & Bimby
$1550 - Schiit Saga & Gumby ($1250)
$1700 - PS Audio Stellar GCD
$2000 - Benchmark DAC3 L
$2150 - Schiit Freya+ & Gumby
$2200 - Mytek Brooklyn DAC+

Current system is Dynaudio Audience 82, Musical Fidelity A300 Integrated, Oppo BDP-105 for discs and DAC. Leaning toward a PrimaLuna power amp, either HP stereo or monoblocks . The list of speakers I want to listen only gets longer the more I read so I'm putting that off for a bit. Might try streaming and a dedicated server eventually. Most of my CDs are already ripped lossless on an SSD plugged into the Oppo, but the interface is heinous. Ripped files through the Oppo sound fine, but I really miss the AH! Njoe Tjoeb I had until the transport finally died. I think that may be what is making me want to go the tube amp route.
cat_doorman
studio1
99 posts
 
Friend

The comparison of DAC to Amplifier compared to DAC to Preamplifier to Amplifier will depend largely on the combinations of components.  When you start spending big Money on DAC's you get into better output sections in many (not all) cases - which makes the need for a Preamplifier less important.  However, just when you have spent Big Money on a DAC there will sure enough come along a DAC to Preamplifier to Amplifier combination that will outperform that combination.  

Personally, I prefer having a Preamplifier in my System to accommodate Vinyl; in my System the Preamplifier lays out the Soundstage better.

As for your choice - Benchmark and Mytek are tough to beat!!!  You can get either one and try inserting a few different Preamplifiers from your local Audio salon to get an idea of whether or not your system will benefit.
cat_doorman OP
237 posts
 
I'm not good at upgrading. I don't do it very often. I'm trying to future proof for a big upgrade that realistically may never be completed. I mostly bought the Oppo to watch movies when I finally broke down and bought a TV a few years back. The speakers and integrated I have now were bought new 15+ years ago for about $4k total. It may seem like overkill to look at $2k+ stand alone DACs or DAC/pre combos, but I know to make the kind of system improvement even my tin ears can recognize will take some scratch, so I'm trying to budget accordingly.

I've never gotten into vinyl because I always found the noise floor too distracting to really appreciate the benefits of analog. But I've been thinking about it. I always liked the deliberation and ritual associated with a single disc player as opposed to multi disc or file playing. Vinyl has that in spades. From what I've read it seems that a separate phono stage is usually much better than what generally gets included in a preamp. So many things to take into consideration. I suppose it wouldn't be as much fun if there were definitive answers.
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
For an all-digital system, a DAC-preamp or DAC that is functional as a preamp offers a lot of advantages. (I've owned several in that category.) That combination avoids the duplication of costly items like chassis, front panels, and power supplies; and you can avoid a set of interconnects. If you are doing digital only, all you need is a DAC with a good volume control.

As others have said, the Mytek and Benchmark entries have gotten great reviews. However, neither is said to have a particularly tubey sound, so you may\find other DACs or combinations suit your tastes better.
I am not into tubes myself, having lived in hot climates for too long, and being averse to the continuing costs of retubing. I have heard people say that a tubed source followed by a SS amp can give a lot of tube sound at lower cost (and heat) than a tubed power amp.
Have fun with it!


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