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Marantz PM Ki Ruby and RME ADI 2 (Am I crazy?)

Hey guys,
My setup is node 2i > rme adi 2 dac > pm ki ruby > dynaudio special 40s.

All this while I’ve been using the RME as a dac and the marantz as pre and power.

while browsing some random stuff, I realised that the rme could also be used as a pre and the marantz just as a power amp. 

And of course, I tried.  But am I crazy to think that my system sounds better? The soundstage has widened , better imaging and overall improved sonics. Is this even possible or just my mind playing tricks? 
Please help, I’m losing it!! Lol
prashanth13485
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@jjss49 is the power amp of the marantz as good as they come for the price or should I consider upgrading? If latter, do you have any recommendations? Thank you, appreciate your inputs. 
gakerty's avatar
gakerty
175 posts
 
Sound quality of going direct definitely depends on the quality / type of preamp (as well as the output stage of the DAC).  When I go direct from my ADI-2 into my Stereo100 tube amp it doesn't sound as good as ADI-2 into my RP7 pre.  It's not a massive difference, but going direct into power amp sounds less full, is a bit "drier" and perhaps a touch rolled off.  Both sound pretty good though.  The ADI-2 is a fine DAC regardless.  
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Keep the Marantz as a power amp! It is high quality! Spending more on another amp will only yield a small difference at best! The power stage of the Marantz is already very transparent to the source - as you heard when you used the DAC direct.
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@gakerty well, it looks like your preamp is more expensive than my integrated and rme combined? So it better sound better.  Lol
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
Thanks everyone!

@jason thank you. You’re right, based on other comments, I believe the marantz’s pre is not as good. So I will keep it as my power amp. I doubt anything in its price range can beat it.

so potentially I could upgrade by getting a dedicated pre amp or a better streamer or both.

will the lumin u1 mini be a substantial upgrade over the node 2i if I leave everything else as it is? If so, what sort of difference can I expect in sound? Soundstage, tonality, imaging, ? 
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