Dartzeel w/Other Preamps.

Alrighty. 

The 18NS is among the finest pre-amplifiers—one benefits greatly from using the pre-amplifier with the 108 in single-ended mode. The same is true when using a DAC with internal volume control. The 18NS has a sophisticated phono pre-amplifier, with recent models updated to accommodate Herve's newest darTZeel low-output moving coil cartridges. All to say, a portion of the 62,000USD price of the 18NS is for its exceptional phono stage. If you are digital-only, perhaps a higher-performance DAC (although I understand the Holo is quite good). I am watching closely the soon-to-be-released Lampizator Posiden, which, in addition to an end-game DAC, incorporates Lukaz's latest pre-amp circuit. US retail is approximately 25k. Two line-level inputs are included.  

Enjoy your 108, and have fun with your next step.  

Curious if anyone has tried the 108 Model 2 with out a preamp, just using the DAC volume control?  Either the Playback Designs MPD-8 variable volume control, or using the internal preamp on the Grim MU2?

@hearthis - are you going to try the Lampizator Poseiden?

@elrod,

I just purchased a Constellation Pictor(😁) for experimentation and will report back after the 500-hour burn-in(😞).