I initially did what you are considering when I set up a bedroom system, including using a Node. I found the sound dull and lifeless. After adding a preamp the system came to life. So much better after inserting the preamp. Regarding how much to spend, well I used a Schiit Freya for less than a thousand bucks. Did it do the job? Yes and beautifully. Will a better, more expensive pre be better. Most likely. Only you can answer that. In my case the Freya did a fine job relative to the other equipment in the system and was well worth the modest investment.
To preamp or not to preamp. That is the question.
I have recently set up a second system from some previously owned components which I though I would use for occasional listening as I have a better rig in a dedicated music room. Yet I find I'm listening to it more than expected and want to optimize it.
I use only a single source, a Bluesound Node 2i, feeding directly into a Forte 4a Class A power amp and some Totem Model one signatures speakers. No preamp! Controlling the volume with the BlueOS app, the system plays loud enough for my listening needs but I know the output of the Node is on the low side for the power amp. I'm not looking to upgrade the current speakers, amp or streamer. Other than having more gain, would adding an active preamp bring anything to the table other than more expense and additional "stuff" in the audio chain. What has been the experience of other members been who have gone this route?
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@marco1 Yes I was thinking about suggesting the Freya as an option. Many on this site seem to enjoy that pre. Right now on AG there is a Black Ice Fusion 9 MKII tube pream listing for $999. Black ICe was formerly Jolida. I once owned the Jolida Fusion preamp and feld it to be quite good at the price point ($1500). Not sure what the Fushion 9 retailed at.
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I have a Node 2i (although it hasn't been plugged in for a while.) Seems to me, its weakness isn't so much its DAC as its preamp capabilities. Specifically, its volume control. I've A/B compared a feed from the Node 2i via (A) its digital outputs and (B) its analog outputs. From "A", I was hearing the DAC in a more expensive downstream component (equipped with the ESS 9028 chip IIRC). From "B", I was hearing the DAC in the Node 2i. I noticed no difference in SQ. YMMV. However, when I've switched from digital/software volume control in the Node 2i to analog or hybrid digital/analog volume control in a downstream device, I noticed a rather significant SQ improvement. Again, YMMV (and maybe I'm not remembering every detail of these comparisons). But I suspect you could improve the SQ by moving the volume control downstream, whether to (1) a decent dedicated preamp, (2) a better streamer/DAC/preamp box, or (3) a decent integrated amp. Currently, I'm using option 2 (a Matrix Audio Element X). If I wanted to try option 1, I'd be considering the Benchmark LA4 (a line amplifier that goes for about $2600 and gets very strong reviews.)
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