2. digital
  3. 1416257322

CDP or DAC with high end volume control

Hi Guys,

I was wondering what you guys think would be a good choice for CDP or DAC for an all digital setup? I want to run without a dedicated preamp (straight into amp with volume control). I know most people here would say a dedicated preamp would sound best though. What I'm looking for is a CDP or DAC that has a volume control that can "drive" an amp similar to an active preamp. One which has the sound quality to rival a very high quality dedicated preamp.

A couple that I've been looking into are the Vitus RD-100, Aesthetix Pandora/Romulus Signature, and Ayon Stealth or Stratos DAC (or current, Ayon top of the line CDP). Any others? Pros/Cons in terms of sound, especially when connected directly to an amp sans preamp? I have not heard any of these components yet either. I'm looking to build a list of possible components to try out. My price range is probably about 10k used.

Solid state or Tube is OK, as long as the sound is quick, natural, maybe slightly on the warm side of neutral is OK. Holographic 3D soundstage with good layering is important. USB input or DSD support is not that important, but a welcome feature for a modern product. I use mostly redbook.

The rest of my system consists of Berning Quad Z tube amps, and Nola Baby Grand Ref 2 speakers.

I think this is my first post. I'm a long time reader of these forums, and buyer/seller of equipment here. I'm starting to research for a purchase a lot further in the future.

Thanks for all of your help!
manthik

Showing 5 responses by reverendo

reverendo
88 posts
 
Manthik, I have looked for something similar in the past and am back to looking now. Did your quest lead you anywhere?
At the moment I’m using a Resolution Audio Cantata into an integrated, but would love to have a very high-quality DAC with equally high-quality pre into my integrated’s AV entrance, bypassing the pre altogether, since I believe its pre is the weaker part of the deal.
I’ve looked at Audio Aero, Bricasti and others, but was not sure that was the way to go, since I was not sure the preamp would be superior to my current solution. Tubes are not out of the picture, since my amp is SS, since I'm trying to get a little more texture, timbre and color into a very fast, transparent precise sound.
I’d appreciate your experience.
reverendo
88 posts
 
Hi George,
I've been a longtime adept of a "direct DAC" approach, but at the moment I feel that, in my current system, I would like to have an analogue pre with a DAC.
AFAIK, the Bricasti has a digital solution, but I also believe that my Cantata does the same and I would prefer to have an analogue option at the moment. Any ideas?
reverendo
88 posts
 
Spring $49 for the Schiit Sys passive, which is also refundable.
http://http//schiit.com/products/sys

Or go the switchable passive or tube output Saga $349 refundable.
http://schiit.com/products/saga

Or the switchable passive, tube or solid state output Freya $699 refundable.
 http://schiit.com/products/freya 

Cheers George
Thanks George, but I'm trying not to add another piece of equipment. Would actually prefer to get the same quality with one piece altogether, but haven't found anything suitable yet.
And a remote is a must, cedargrover. ;)
reverendo
88 posts
 
@almarg thank you for that one... :D there used to be a feature like this a long time ago, but it never worked. hoping this will. again, thank you very much.
reverendo
88 posts
 
just saw the answers now. it's a pity that agon doesn't offer an alert when new answers are posted on threads we participate in. hope you are listening, agon developers.
@cedargrover I do see now that I might have been unclear in stating my interest: I'm looking for a DAC with integrated analogue pre as a one box solution, preferably with tubes. I already have a very good DAC with integrated digital volume control, but am thinking of switching to an amp + DAC w/ analogue pre. In that case the Ayre doesn't quite fit the intent, although it looks like a very interest
@manthik thanks for updating us. please report your experiments. the Vitus looks very interesting and always thought that it would fair better as a pre than as a DAC. your first-hand experience is appreciated.
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