2. amps-preamps
  3. 178977-139726

Preamp/DAC Suggestions

I'm currently using a Rogue Sphinx v2 as a preamp with a Mytek Brooklyn amp. Looking for ideas for preamps. I primarily stream Tidal/Qobuz from a BlueSound using a Schiit Multibit DAC but also have my tv plugged into the DAC and use the Rogue for volume control. Speakers are Focal Aria 926s. Looking for something that will give me a really quiet background and more soundstage. Also open to upgrading DAC if that's where I'll get more bang for buck. Budget is under $5000 for DAC and preamp. Other option would be upgrading the integrated and selling Rogue and Mytek, but I like being able to switch around pieces to play with the sound. I'm open to tubes or solid state but really like a totally dark background. 

128x128grateful_dad
carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

You didn't mention a price range.  I use my Chord Dave DAC is a preamp/volume control. Excellent results. 

I think a lot of your responses are from the most-recommended-components-on-the-internet list.  I own and use the Dave every day.

Jerry

grateful_dad's avatar
grateful_dad OP
15 posts
 

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm trying to figure out whether there's a benefit to the sound of using a separate preamp rather than just going DAC with volume control straight to my amp. I think I'll have to do some listening comparisons and see what I hear. I'm inclined to go separates as it'll give more flexibility. Am I wrong in thinking that DAC technology improves pretty quickly such that older models are improved more regularly than with olther components? My instinct is that it makes more sense to put more money into devices like preamps and amps with longer life spans and then upgrade DACs more frequently. But maybe I'm overthinking it. Sounds like plenty of folks are using high-end DACs with volume control and really liking them. 

rsf507
2,350 posts
 

Look at a Bricasti M3. You can find them used or even *New with a good discount that will keep you within your budget.

Post removed 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,851 posts
 

rs507 the m3 is not a true preamp It has no analog inputs

 

If the op wants a preamp,  the M3 does not have any analog inputs. 

we are a bricasti dealer the m3 is an excellent dac, in fact it is an excetional  Dac for the money.

 

so you must understand as with everything in audio there is a product for each user we appreciate you love Bricasti but the M3 is not a preamp it is a dac that can be ordered with a volume control option.

so for this reason we recommended the Atoll which is a dac/preamp

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

Atoll and Bricasti dealers

More to discover