Which DAC - Streamer or Preamp?
I’m finally indulging my audio-curious nature and beginning to build a listening room along with a higher-end two-channel system. I managed to snag a McIntosh C-47 preamp and an MC-312 amp, both used for decent prices. For now, I’ll be listening through a pair of Klipsch Heresy (1980) back by a pair of REL T/7x in a 16x24 basement space (sadly, with a low ceiling). I also just bought an Eversolo DMP-A6. So my question is, should I run balanced lines from the Eversolo, or should I run the digital feed to the C-47 for processing? I know that the right answer is "try both and go with with you like." But I am also curious what ’should’ be better on paper, or what some of you with much more experience than I have would say. Thanks for your thoughts!
@mattsca I have my brothers 74 Heresy I’s and it was time for an update. Changed crossover and all drivers with components from Crites speakers in Arkansas. They specialize in everything Klipsch. Very nice upgrade. |
Congratulations and enjoy your new musical journey. Sounds like a good plan to setup the system you have, treat the room, settle in and then upgrade over time. So many DACs at so many different price points. Waiting is smart and more will come out during that time. To answer your original question, I would run a balanced feed to your C-47 to use the A6 internal DAC. It should be better being newer. I had both the A6 and A8 and agree the 8 was much better. I returned both and now have a Holo Audio Cyan 2 with an Innuos Zen Mk3 streamer. Once your room is setup right you’ll better appreciate any tweaks to your system. Please keep us updated on your progress now that we have a vested interest in your system 😊 |
@audioman58 I appreciate the tip, and based on my initial research, yeah, for $2K I can make a big step up in DAC quality. I do like the user interface on the Eversolo, so keeping it as my streamer makes good sense when I do upgrade my DAC in the future. For now, the Eversolo DAC is also a noticeable improvement over over the DAC in the C-47, confirming what @allanblissett and @bassbuyer have recommended. @bilyeauxbrew, thanks, I've heard about such upgrades. I think I'll keep these as they are and plan on upgraded speakers in the future (and put these back with my Marantz 19). @bassbuyer, thank you for the encouragement! I have my current equipment set up now. Since my speakers are what they are for now, I'll stick with the A6 and concentrate on the space. I am happy to report that my low ceiling doesn't seem to be as big of a challenge as I expected. With decent placement and some basic foam acoustic tiles on walls, I currently have the best audio quality I've ever had in my home. My wife and son are impressed. To share one tangible example, my wife loves Idina Menzel. I think she's great too, but I've typically experienced fatigue from the brightness of her soprano voice. But my system imparts just enough warmth to allow a full appreciation of her talent - credit McIntosh. Next step is the addition of my REL subwoofers that should arrive tomorrow. |
