2. amps-preamps
  3. 175730-114091

Tried just my DAC as Preamp and started something.

I’ve really been enjoying my integrated from my DAC and steamer front end for quite a while. And I really should have left well enough alone…but we all know how that goes…

For several months now, I’ve been using a Topping D70s (mqa) into a Creek Evolution 50A in “pure DAC” mode (blue tooth and preamp disabled), which is a recommended setting if not operating straight into a power amp. I’ve been doing this, rather happily, under the assumption that on shouldn’t bother with said digital preamp and just wait to try separates or the real effect.

Well…rattling in my head was the knowledge that this Creek is quite flexible in its settings, and that the D70s also has a solid 5v output through xlr. So the other day, I did the power off/on special menu clickity-click, etc, to put the DAC back into preamp mode and the Creek into direct mode. And…wow. I’m kinda liking it better this way. I mean, the Creek with its own preamp stage is a bit sweeter tonally, but with the DAC taking that over? More impactful, more etched (in a good way), better stage in all directions, better localization and instrument separation. Tone is also still very nice, realism intact.

So now I’m almost afraid to reset it the way it was, and even wondering if I should continue down the separates path. Just wanted to see what some of you here have encountered with this rabbit hole, as equipment matching can be such a beatch! Wondering if just a decent preamp added to the chain would be even nicer than with the DAC preamp, since the Creek into my Quad S2’s already pair so nicely.

Any recommendations on preamps, eventual amps… or if I should just do the anti-purist thing and stick with the the dac as pre and later pair with an amp?

For preamps, been looking at Freya S, Topping Pre90. Really like solid state, but also looking at Freya + and Vincent Audio pre. Can only dream about Burmester with my current budget, on and on… 

Now entering the 🐇🕳

 

riccitone
likat
17 posts
 

I think that there is a tendency to perpetually downplay exuberance.  I think that that rush of joy is a wonderful part of this hobby, especially for a noob like myself.  I am still forever trying to sort out whether a change has made the sound better or simply different. But if it brings you joy, then what does it matter really?

But not to digress too much, yes, I've learned that giving a change some time to settle in before introducing another variable helps me to ultimately try to decide whether that change is ultimately better or just different.  

Also I am messing  with the same issue myself now:  to pre or not to pre, and would be very interested in the thoughts of all those with more experience

riccitone OP
229 posts
 

@likat Really do appreciate your responding to the thrill aspect of this. I am overall happy to hear a significant difference, even if it solely serves as an indicator that my system is - at least - resolving enough to behave so differently with a change of front end config. And a positive change at that. Even with settling into the adjustment, I’m still excited by the prospect down the line (however uncertain the path). Would also like to know what others here have found working for them, one way or the other. 

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

First and foremost,this is a hobby. Hobbies are supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to make you happy.  I have a couple different systems,and some extra gear that I swap in and out of those systems.  This gives me the ability to get a different sound. Maybe not better, but different. That gives me joy.  Others have different definitions of direction.  One thing I’ve learned,very rarely are things black and white. Enjoy the ride! 

willgolf
936 posts
 

I have a higher-cost system that includes 300B mono amps, Pre, Lampizator Pacific and Lucas Audio Music server.  Many of the Lampi people told me I should try running the Lampi direct to my amps.  I finally did about 3 months ago.  The results were surprising to me.  I ended up selling my preamp.  Purist or not, I think everyone has to make their own decision.  In my case, selling the Pre allowed me to upgrade my DAC. I don't feel like I am missing anything without a Pre.  I am 100% digital and that can have an impact also.  

More to discover