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Pre-amp selection advice needed

Hello Audiophiles,
This is my current audio system:
Volumio (on RPi3) or PC --> USB --> Chord Hugo DAC --> Dynaudio Focus 110A (Active speakers).

The Chord Hugo has only digital input, and now I need to expand my system with a TEAC TN-400BT turnable. And may be more in the future. 
The pre-amp will help to prevent plug/unplug from the speakers' input everytime when I switch sources. And also a device that help to accept more analog sources to feed to my active speakers.

Can you advice which preamp to choose that can match with the Chord Hugo, in term of size, budget and sound quality?

Thanks a lot.
phuoctue
shahram
115 posts
 
Budget or size restraints?
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
There are a million units that you could pick.  Budget is the biggest constraint as there are preamps that can be had for less than $1000 or you could spend $30,000 without blinking an eye.

When taking into account the Hugo 2 a your DAC, my hunch is you would be looking in the $2000 to $3000 range.  Chord is out as their least expensive preamp is way more.  

For a good value, the Musical Fidelity M6s PRE is great for $2K.  You could look at Rogue if you are willing to consider tubes and the the RP1 and RP5 would be nice options at $1500 and $3500 respectively.  

The PS Audio Stellar Pre is a nice unit for $2499. Parasound has a preamp in this price range as does Vincent.  Just above there is the Art Audio VPS at $4K.  Lots of choices.   

I am an MF dealer and have access to some other brands.  PM me if you narrow it down and want to discuss ordering.  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
phuoctue
Pre-amp selection advice needed

Just be careful you already have a dac that put’s out 3v!! most amps are at full power with 1- 2v in.
So what you need is a preamp with "low or zero gain", other wise you’ll be turning down the Chord volume too much and introducing "Bit Stripping"

I suggest a $399 Shiit Saga or $299 Saga S both have unity (zero) gain, in passive mode or active mode. leave your Chord volume up close to full then
https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-2

https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-s

and then get a separate phono stage with up to 60db of gain, they are around you have to search.

Cheers George

phuoctue OP
2 posts
 
@shahram - Would be around 1500USD max. Same value and tier as my speaker.

@verdantaudio - Thanks for your recommendations. But my budget is a bit lower. And sorry I am not from the US, so impossible to do business with you though I am felling tempted.

@georgehifi - Thanks for that insightful technical bits of the DAC’s output voltage. Your suggestions seem to fit and I can try to do a test with my local dealers here. But would try the Saga S, or may be Freya S, since I am afraid the models with tube might alter the sound signature from the Hugo DAC.

After all, really appreciate all for your helpful knowledge.
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