2. amps-preamps
  3. 192478-110266

Preamp issue

I am having a problem with my preamp would like some feedback/guidance from the members of this forum.

For the past two years my system has been a WIIM Pro to PSAudio Stellar Gain DAC to Backert Labs Rhumba 1.0. preamp to Classe CT2300 amp to Harbeth SHL5 speakers, 

System worked fine and I liked the sound. But, then you get the itch. . .

I was interested in trying to an r2r DAC so I purchased a used (one year old) Denafrips Pontius II 12th DAC. Today I swapped out the PSAudio DAC, fired up the system and listened for about 5-10 minutes, then there was a POP in the speakers and the Rhumba preamp went into its mute mode. I shut everything off and restarted the components now have low frequency(100Hz?), low volume, vibrating sound coming out of both speakers. I have swapped out pieces from a second system an definitely isolated the problem to the Rhumba preamp. 

I am going to have the pream repaired. But since the Rhumba preamp failed shortly after swapping in the Denafrips DAC-

Could the Denafrips DAC have caused the preamp to fail? How? Was it just coincidence? Should I have the Denafrips tested as well or just return it and find a different r2r unit? Your input will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Happy Holidays

128x1282tuby
2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
35 posts
 

Pdspieel,

Thanks for the reply. Should this test be done with the DAC seeing an input signal or no input signal?  I just tested the voltage with no signal and both RCA’s have zero voltage. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,518 posts
 

I can fix physical, but not electrical things, so I would get rid of the DAC the best way possible, i.e. back to the source if you can. no reason to take a chance IME.

lanx0003
862 posts
 

I think that, with or without the preamp, your weak link is the streamer. I have had both the Wiim and MXN10, and the MXN10 is clearly on another level.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/cambridge-audio-mxn10-streamer150da-processor

larryi
4,048 posts
 

For the DAC to be the cause, something intermittent and very strong affecting both channels would have to be the cause.  I don’t have any idea what that would be, but my guess is that this is an unlikely event.  Most likely is something wrong in the linestage power supply and the DAC switch is purely coincidental.  Coincidental failures are the most frustrating because one is thrown off track in making a diagnosis.  

2tuby's avatar
2tuby OP
35 posts
 

Elliottbnewcombjr-

I like the Denafrips but I am like you and will probably return it. 
 

ianx003 

I agree that the Wiim pro is the weakest link. The “itch that I was “scratching” was to improve my digital input. I picked up the Wiim on Amazon and will be retuning it. 

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