2. amps-preamps
  3. 187542-178608

Preamp vs DAC vs Streamer

I am looking for advice on upgrading the 2.1 portion of my system. My budget is approximately $2,000, but would go 2-3x higher for the right preamp. 

My current system:

Marantz 7015 (using pre out)

LSA Warp 1 amp

KEF R11’s

Rythmic F12SE

Pro-ject 1Xpression carbon classic with Hana ML

Rega Aria 

Bluesound Node (Qobuz)

Schiit Modi Multibit 2

Marantz CD6007 

I am relatively happy with my analog side, but vinyl is my primary listening and further improvement from a quality preamp would be good.

On the digital side, streaming is OK (i use Qobuz), but not as dynamic or clear as vinyl. CD's sound dull and lifeless. The node is connected to my MM2 DAC via USB, CD player to MM2 via Core Power digital coax.

Preamp: Must have subwoofer management, HT bypass & be less than 4.3” tall and 15.5” deep. A quality DAC, don’t need phono stage, don't want ADA conversion for analog.
Subwoofer mgt is key as my amp is a little underpowered for my KEF’s and requiring it to drive the KEF’s full range would be problematic.

Parasound P6 seems to be the only one I can find (at any price) that checks the boxes. Any others, regardless of price?

DAC: Chord Qutest or Schiit YGGDRASIL
Streamer: Open, but quality streamer/DAC combo

i feel like the best next investment is the preamp, but my local shop (Audio Advice) advises against Parasound… new management… going in wrong direction.. warranty service, etc. They have discontinued carrying the brand, and have no preamp solution that meet my requirements. They recommend the Chord Qutest over the Parasound P6 as my next investment.
 

Thoughts and/or recommendations. Thank you 

128x128signaforce
kennymacc
395 posts
 

I went with an integrated amp, streaming DAC, and a separate music server.

goodlistening64
90 posts
 

@signaforce 

Thank you for the kind words. Congratulations on the RP-1. 

My experience with the NOS Mullards that I got from Kevin at Upscale ended up with an ear ache while they were transitioning to sweet sounding tubes. I got hiss from one channel and did not hear it until my ears hurt. Oddly, it was only on certain tracks for whatever reason. Upscale states on the box that they were burned in for 50 hours but expect at least the first 50 hours to be one where you should either listen to near mute levels or not at all. I had not experienced this type of fits of hiss and distortion from a tube before. 

I should also relay to you that during this time I switched out my silver interconnects (DAC to Preamp) to copper ones and the sound was immediately much better. May switch to silver again at some point but for now I feel no need to go back. 

The Mullards are the first valves that I have "heard" and I am smitten. The RP-1 is generally neutral, but the Mullards are not, and thus, the journey continues..

Let us know how it all works out with your new gear.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
176 posts
 

Thank you. My RT-1 arrives on Tuesday. I am excited! Interesting, Rogue recommends NOS RCA cleartops and waiting until the current tubes are burned in. 
 

Thank you for your Rogue purchase.  The RP-1 uses a pair of 12AU7s also known as ECC82 or ECC802.  Here is my best advice.  Listen to it for a month or two to allow it to fully break in and for your ears to lock on to the sound.  Then you may have a desire for greater detail, warmer midrange, or other slight changes.  That should help guide your tube upgrade choice.

 

Generally speaking I am a fan of vintage American tubes from RCA and Sylvania.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
176 posts
 

@goodlistening64 

it doesn’t seem they have NOS mullards any longer. Just current production Russians. 😒

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 

I think the quickest way to get better sound is to get a better DAC.

The Schiit Modi is far down the chain. Move up to the Yggy or Gungnir, if you can.

One DAC I would recommend is the Ayre Codex. Unbelievable sound for the money- Probably under $1K used. And Ayre will repair/update, if needed.

Bob

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