Pass Labs XA25 without preamp (from a variable output source) vs INT25

@joegt Yes, same DAC. 

My setup is BlueSound Node 2i --> Orchid DAC --> XA25

Honestly, I *wanted* to like it. I hoped I had found a magical way to cut out the preamp. Here's what a friend said about my experiment:

"you lose some layering not going through a tube amp. I’d expect it to be a tad more grainy, less depth, and not as smooth....An active preamp is one of THE most important components ina lower efficiency system. Using a Node’s preamp section and volume control is gonna be limiting. An XA-25 would reveal all limitations of a directly connected source like (the preamp section) of a Node2i."

@hilde45 Did you control de output level of the Orchid DAC with the Bluesound? If so then I think you are loosing bit depth resolution performing attenuation in the digital stream instead at the core of the DAC (modern DAC perform digital attenuation at much bit depth inside the DAC). If the Bluesound has a modern DAC (i.e. ESS or AKM) that performs digital attenuation at DAC core and at much higher bit depth I suggest you to try the variable output of the Bluesound directly to the XA25 and please share your impressions with us. Althougn maybe is a lower quality DAC than the Orchid I think you´ll have way better results this way if variable output is used.

Thanks!!

P.S.: SOrry about my Englis grammar. I´m not english native spoken.

I can try the Bluesound.

The Orchid cannot vary the volume.

@joegt 

hi, i have never tried the xa25 without a preamp but i have gone the passive preamp route before and did not care for the sound vs. a dynamic energetic preamp.  

btw i have the cary slp 05, not the 98.  

sounds just burst and project into the room lively and without strain.  no DAC that i have heard or even many linestages can compete.  expensive yes but hearing is experiencing. shortcuts are just that, they can sound fine until you hear something else.  

joeyg- My speakers are Tannoy FSM (monitors) from the late 80's.

That is the million dollar question. When the new INT arrived it needed

200-300 hours of burn in time so at first it was worse. My audio mentor friend

loves it as do I so all I can say with any certainty is what I stated- no improvement.

The Preamp section is said by the Pass people to be "Minimally invasive".

True enough as it has no Pre-out, no sub out. One output & 3 inputs.