@sholladay Wrote:
BTW, is there a pre with DSP available other the from miniDSP?
See below Pre-4 Preamp:
Mike
Do I REALLY need preamp and what do I upgrade the amp too?
Hey everyone-Let me share what I have and then get to the question:
Rotel RC-1590MKII
Rotel RB-1582 MkII
Gustaed DAC-X26 Pro
MAC Mini M2
B&W 805 S2 on 30” stands.
2x Rel T/5x subs using the oututs of the Rotel RB-1582 MkII
Nordost Blue Heaven Speaker cables bi-wire.
2x AQ Colombia RCA interconnects
5x AQ NRG-Z3AQ Power Cables
Core 1000 Power Conditioner
The room is 12x14 with area rugs.
Large L shaped desk with multiple 32” 4K monitors for work.
8x6 open wall is treated.
Ceiling is vaulted.
I listen 100% via Qobuz with Audirvana; all types of music.
Recently I bought an outboard DAC to see how it compares to the internal DAC of the 1590 and I was blown away at the improvement over the DAC built into the Rotel.
Just today I thought why I would need a preamp if all I use is a the Gustard with variable outputs. Why not go direct to the amp?
WOW OMFG!! The difference was spectacular to say the least. Not saying at all Rotel is a 2nd class, its not, I have massively enjoyed it over the last year. It allows Roon and Sonos interoperability (Port) which I use often, but I am willing to make a sacrifice.
I have been a silent member for a couple years now. So, given all the data above, if I sold/traded the Rotel pieces for a sinngle upgraded amp; assume I can get $2K USD out of what I have (concretive) and added $2K to the transaction what would the community recommended?
I do like to shale the wall and believe in leaving SS electronics on all the time, so I guess that rules out tubes.
Thanks in advance I am looking forward to the discussions.
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not surprised at the op’s findings -- rotel is mid tier... will not bring the best sonics (that is why their higher line called michi exists) a truly great preamp will result in great sound, arguably better than running a system without one but even a decent preamp, and certainly a mediocre one, will detract from the purity of sound compared to none at all... whether any particular volume controlled dac will sound better into any specific power amp relative to having a line stage in between cannot possibly be generalized... the specifics will drive the outcome, specifically -- the nature of volume control in the dac, and where in the operating range the dac volume control operates in normal use -- the output stage of the dac, its ability to drive the amp -- the input stage of the receiving amplififer and how well it mates with the dac (or pre) feeding it |
Thanks again for all the feedback, very valuable and appreciated. @kota1 especially great feedback and a path I had not yet considered.
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The ML Unison preamp/streamer is only $199 on sale from the original $599. You could connect it to your outboard DAC via toslink, run ARC, and get a nice before and after graph of your room. You can run quobuz from the playfi app on your phone. You can connect additional sources into the Unison and they will also benefit from ARC and your DAC.
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- 16 posts total