2. amps-preamps
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Configuration Questions

My system comprises a Musical Fidelity B1 integrated amp, a pair of B&W DM 610i's, and a Cambridge Audio DacMagic.

I love my amp but it hasn't a volume control, so I purchased a Creek OBH-10 preamp with volume control. So now I have DacMagic --> Creek Preamp --> Musical Fidelity integrated amp.

Here's the question: what is the best way to use the integrated and the preamp together? I'm currently using the CD input, setting the volume on the integrated amp at about as high of a volume as I would ordinarily listen (somewhere about 1.5/10) and then am using the upper end of the preamp volume range. Does this make sense? Is there a better way to do this?

Thank you for reading.
music_prof
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Creek also makes a remote volume control with no active circuitry. I have one of them as well as a 22 passive pre I use with my HT set up.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I think the original DACmagic sounds amazing especially if you use the Pangea power supply with it. The original "magic" has a crappy USB system so if you're going to use that (I don't with mine) feature get the new "plus" version or one of the other 10,506 DACs out there with better USB features. The original "magics" are discontinued now so they're really inexpensive as NOS or even cheaper used, and still hold up.
glenfihi
525 posts
 
Thanks for the Dac Magic feedback, the new plus version may be just what I need as it seems more flexible than most. Just concerned about the sound and the reliability.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
You can hear differences with everything, but I have to say when I've compared modern DACs to one another it gets really tough...maybe more so than with most other components.
music_prof OP
46 posts
 
I haven't compared my old DacMagic to the new DacMagic plus, so I can't comment on the difference (except the the Plus accommodates 24 bit USB as opposed to 16 bit). Nonetheless, even the old DacMagic gave new life to my system.
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