Funny this is the same quandary I am facing I've got a DNA-1 rev a with the balanced option and a pair of Alon 1s. I had considered the CAT SL-1, Audio Research SP 10, Modwright 9se and then I went through the passive thought process and considered the placette, bent tap or prometheus units.
I run a vinyl rig and a computer based rig and tonight I plugged my dacs (transdac and apogee duet) direct into the McCormack and used itunes volume control. I was blown away by the sound quality. It is clear to me that just about every preamp I have used has mucked up the sound. I have never heard my rig sound so dynamic and several layers of veil have been removed.
The unfortunate thing is this is a sure fire way to fry the Alons as one day I will forget to lower the itunes volume. Any ideas on a preamp that has the transparency that I am getting going direct?
I run a vinyl rig and a computer based rig and tonight I plugged my dacs (transdac and apogee duet) direct into the McCormack and used itunes volume control. I was blown away by the sound quality. It is clear to me that just about every preamp I have used has mucked up the sound. I have never heard my rig sound so dynamic and several layers of veil have been removed.
The unfortunate thing is this is a sure fire way to fry the Alons as one day I will forget to lower the itunes volume. Any ideas on a preamp that has the transparency that I am getting going direct?