Given my AMP and DAC, which preamp?

How about a modded Squeezebox II directly into the Dodson (nice DAC BTW). No need for a preamp unless you have something else to plug in.

Enjoy,
Bob

Pardales, if you look at my system I run Pass LabsX-350.5 with Threshold SA-1 monoblocks to bi-amp MG20r's. So, I'm a big fun of Nelson Pass's designs. I would suggest you audition either a Placette passive line stage at $1500.00 or the reference dual mono active linestage at $4500.00. They both sound great with Pass gear and Guy Hammel, the owner and designer, is a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. Both linestages are outstanding and great bargains at there price breaks. I auditioned over seven pre-amps, both tube/solid state, and thought the Placette active was the best for my ear's. It replaced a reference ML-32 in my system that cost almost $10000.00 more! I did not change for $ reasons, but because the Placette sonicly out performed the ML-32, along with the other pre-amps I auditioned. You order directly from Guy and get a 30 day audition time period, with full return minus shipping if you don't keep the piece. Since, there's no middleman, the prices of his pre-amps are true bargains, all the money goes into design and quality parts.

Awesome suggestions, THANK YOU! Please keep them coming. Part of me thinks that I am really after is a high quality volume control with one, maybe two inputs. I do not need phono or tape, or any of the other functions of a full- function preamp. The VIBE sounds like it might be the ticket. Any experience with other volume controls like the Django?

I second the Placette active unit or the First Sound Presence.The Terra Song (up for auction) was dependable and made tube comparisons a breeze.

I went through a number of tube and solid state preamps and ended up with a Placette passive for several years. I upgraded to the active and have been totally pleased. I'll second TeaJay's recommendation. The Placette active is the best preamp I've heard.