2. digital
  3. 151313-136544

How important is a preamp for purely digital sources?

I’m currently deciding if I need a pre-amp in my setup.
I’ll be using a Bluesound Node 2i as the source and a McIntosh MC7100 as the power amp.

the question is ... how much sound improvement will I get by adding a pre-amp knowing that all my source material will be digital? Will it be more beneficial if I add a quality external DAC instead?

Thanks!!
dookie30
melvinjames
416 posts
 
Improvement? Depends on how much your willing to spend. The Node works just fine as a preamp. The question of volume control was addressed on the Bluesound Forum a couple of years ago with the previous generation (Node 2):

"We attenuate and do not alter"

Here's a link to that short thread if you care to read it:

https://helpdesk.bluesound.com/discussions/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3113&p=12251&hilit=volume+control&sid=f0880c84af2646441a3720a2f3716d48#p12251

tweak1
3,651 posts
 
Underwood hifi is offering the Lotus DAC at a great price, including VC
tosicka
14 posts
 
SCHITT FRAYA
3 PRES IN ONE
PASSIVE AND TWO TUBE 
CAN'T GO WRONG. 
digitaljoseph
12 posts
 
I am seriously considering the rockna dac/preamp unit
bigkidz
3,380 posts
 

All components have a value.  It comes down to how they work together to improve the sound.  Asking a general question like this will give you multiple answers from different member experiences.  Any old preamp may not be a benefit.  A DHT preamp may add wonders to the sonic improvement but how much and what you are trying to spend also can be a factor.

I have heard systems both ways and I prefer using a good preamp.  The sonic improvement to me was substantial in adding to the depth of the soundstage, clarity, musicality, micro to macro dynamics and back again, layering of instruments and vocals, and the piano and horns sounded "real" adding to the overall pleasant experience.  The direct way was not bad to say but the improvement in these and other areas was what I preferred.


Happy Listening.


 

 

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