Berkeley Alpha Reference run direct

I did.  I went with the Jeff Rowland Criterion.  I have learned after 40 tears in audio that the key to an emotional system is a kick butt preamp.  

Imgoodwithtools,
Excellent observation.  To different paths to get to the same place.  The Rowland gave me the depth of the level of emotion I was previously missing.  Battery power is utter bliss.  

As for the reviews, Jeff’s gear sees a fair amount of coverage. He doesn’t come out with new designs all the time for them to cover, like ARC does - every three years ARC wants you to upgrade - Jeff just wants you to listen to your music. His new integrated amp (Damon - kicks BUTT) has gotten a nice amount of coverage.

I would LOVE to hear that dac direct to Jeffs amps.  Galen is a great guy, by the way.  

The Ayre amps (MXR Twenty) are ABSOLUTELY incredible.

Imgoodwithtools,  
How goes it sound? Do you feel Diana Krall breathing at the piano on the Paris CD.  Seat creaking?  If you do, you don't need a preamp.  

The key, to me, was the loss in resolution with a digital volume control.  You really need to compare it.  Volume reduction should not be a loss in resolution.  

It's a known issue that digital volume controls reduce resolution.  The higher priced models claim to solve the problem.

The Ayre was on my short list.  It's one of the best preamps made.  I went with the Jeff Rowland Criterion.  I wanted to like the Arc Ref 5 (at the time) but I heard tube rush.  The other -Preamp on my list was the Pass.  (Burmeister, mbl  out of my price range).  

Jeff Rowland is an amazing man.  And approachable.  You can pick up the phone and call him.