Budget preamp with quality volume control
Dear Audiogoners,
I used to be a firm believer that the signal path should be as short as possible and, as such, I have been using the two-channel system without a dedicated preamp. For a long period of time, I have relied on the digital attenuator in DAC for volume control, knowing the digital attenuator would compress the dynamic range of the sound. Therefore, I switch the volume control on DAC to the fixed mode, bypass the digital attenuation and use the unity gain knob in the back of the power amp for volume control. Depending on the music recording level, however, sometimes I need to turn the unity gain control way down to get proper sound level. This is particularly painful when I use the full-balance connection because of the double voltage gain.
In short, I am looking for a budgetary preamp with quality volume control that either has relay switch stepped control or precise potentiometer for left-right channel match to curb the issue. I try to summarize important (to me) performance catgories as best I can for various good sounding preamp I know (with or without headphone amp/dac) as shown below. It is found the Schiit Magnius happens to have the highest performance ratio. However, I am pretty sure that I likely miss other good performers due to my limited knowledge and would like to solicit for your inputs. Your kind assistance is appreciated.
I owned the original Freya (with tubes) and also own the Topping. Both sound very good. The Topping is a little quieter and a little more neutral than the Freya. After comparing the two, I sold the Freya. I've had the Topping for a year or so and have no desire to look for a replacement. It's very quiet, very clear, and very neutral. It's also very basic, but that is just fine with me. Just my 2c. YMMV. Enjoy the music! |
Yes, @zlone, interestingly I thought about that too. For example, I was really in self debate as to how much weights I should place on "remote." Nowadays not having remote for a stereo system is a crime but then the quality of remote is also an issue too like Topping’s. Aside from that, quality of volume control and power supply are certainly two other criteria should receive heavier weight. I sort of address the power supply issue by adding a proper cost to the units not having linear / xformer power supply. |
@tomcarr Toppings are raved by many reviewers / users including the class A rating by Stereophile (for Pre90). At the same time, one of the popular reviewer (do not wish to mention his name) critizes the A90D actually sounds only mediocre. In particular, he emphasizes the initial attack from A90D is impressive, weighty but that is pretty much it. There is no significant micro dynamics and reverberation coming after that, making the amp sound too analytical / surgical. My question to you is do you feel that is a general sound traits of Topping based on your listening experience? |
