2. amps-preamps
  3. 1133714928

Are there any pre-amps with optical inputs?

I am seriously considering simplifying my 2-channel/HT system by giving up on 5.1 and just going with 2 speakers (and maybe a sub.) I use my Rotel receiver just for audio, no video switching. If I eliminate the receiver, though, I still need a pre-amp that has 2 optical inputs, one for my DVD player, the other for my cable box, as well as inputs for my phono stage. Most of the pre-amps I have researched seem to have only RCA and XLR connections.

My speakers are Cain & Cain Abbys and I am using a Sophia EL34 S.E.T. amp to drive my front speakers. Please check my system thread for further details.

So, are there any pre amps that have all the inputs I need, or am I going to have to stick with some sort of HT pre-amp/processor?

My budget is 3-5K.

Holly
oakiris

Showing 2 responses by oakiris

oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I looked at one of the Tact preamps; it only had one digital input. I didn't check any of the other models as yet.

Thank you both for the DAC suggestion. That would make my choice of preamp a whole lot easier, wouldn't it? I didn't even think about that. :-o

So, what DACs are good choices? Guess I better start doing some research!

Holly
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Right now I am using my receiver for my rear, center and sub speakers but have my front speakers connected to a tube amp. A preamp with the HT pass through may have been the way to go, but I really liked the sound of the Sophia tube amp for 2-channel so I got it instead.

What I really need to do is to try out just 2-channel for a movie to see if that is really satisfactory to me and from that experience see if I want to proceed with optimizing a 2-channel set up or continue with the 2-channel/5.1 set up I have now - with some changes in equipment.

Slightly OT, one of the problems I am having with my 5.1 set up right now is that I don't have matched speakers. I was hoping that Terry of Cain & Cain would be producing some mini-Abbys and a center speaker, which he had mentioned he was going to be making and selling a couple of months ago, but I have a feeling this may not happen after all. Sigh.

Holly
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