I ended up getting the Joilda Fusion Dac Pre, which I am using with the Parasound HCA-1500 and my Kestrals. It sounds incredible. Much more of an improvement than I was expecting. I was using the Marantz SR6005 as a pre-amp previously, and there is no comparison.
The soundstage and imaging are great. The detail and clarity are much better, without sounding analytical or fatiguing at all. If there is any weakness, I would say the bass is slightly subdued. But overall it sounds very musical. Guitars and mandolin have a midrange punch that just wasn't there before. I have heard several songs where I went "I don't remember hearing that before".
The bluetooth works great, no issues with either iPhone or Android. I am using the USB input from my computer. I have been using JRiver Media Center.
I got it with the Upgrade I from Jolida, with the better tubes and caps. Not sure how much of a difference this made as I didn't hear a before/after comparison.
The Marantz is now driving a new pair of B&W 683 in my home theater, which I am also very happy with!
Cliff notes: Joilda Fusion DAC Pre rocks, I give it 9/10, just because there is always something better out there.
Dan Crary just hit a low note on his custom Taylor guitar and I about fell out of my seat!
The soundstage and imaging are great. The detail and clarity are much better, without sounding analytical or fatiguing at all. If there is any weakness, I would say the bass is slightly subdued. But overall it sounds very musical. Guitars and mandolin have a midrange punch that just wasn't there before. I have heard several songs where I went "I don't remember hearing that before".
The bluetooth works great, no issues with either iPhone or Android. I am using the USB input from my computer. I have been using JRiver Media Center.
I got it with the Upgrade I from Jolida, with the better tubes and caps. Not sure how much of a difference this made as I didn't hear a before/after comparison.
The Marantz is now driving a new pair of B&W 683 in my home theater, which I am also very happy with!
Cliff notes: Joilda Fusion DAC Pre rocks, I give it 9/10, just because there is always something better out there.
Dan Crary just hit a low note on his custom Taylor guitar and I about fell out of my seat!