This is a very timely discussion for me. I have been contemplating some changes in my system that would involve phasing out my current preamp. I currently have an old Audio Research LS-15 line stage into a Bryston 4bSST2. I have a Lumin T-2 streamer/dac connected to the LS-15. For some time I have been considering upgrading the LS-15 but have always considered keeping a preamp in my system. Recently I have become interested the the Lumin P-1 streamer/dac/preamp. I realize it is not a true preamp. It appears to be a streamer/dac with more inputs offering more flexibility. My music listening is almost entirely streaming but I do still have a CD player and turntable that I occasionally use but to be honest they are largely ornamental components in my equipment cabinet. The P-1 would provide the connectivity to keep these components in my system and offer the ability to play them. I do realize that the P-1 does operate totally in the digital domain and as such does not have the analog circuitry of a conventional preamp so it only provide the preamp connectivity flexibility but not the potential analog advantages of a preamp. Does anyone have personal experience with the P1? Would it be best to upgrade my preamp to another conventional pre or replace it with the P1? I realize if I ultimately want to answer this question I will need to make the comparison in my own system but am interested in from Lumin P1 owners or those who have heard this streamer/dac/preamp. The P1 would be an upgrade over my Lumin T-2 so I am confident in that move but am less confident about it replacing my preamp.
DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER
For the longest time, I believed that the best preamplifier is no preamplifier. Eliminating a component from the audio chain would yield less distortion & greater purity.
Recently, I have had reason to re-think my logic on the matter - and I am (I think) changing my mind. Better said, assuming that the preamplifier in the component you are using (in my case, a DAC) can produce 95% or greater quality sound compared to the preamplifier component, then no preamplifier is the best option. The 5% represents the (estimated) loss of fidelity in adding another set of interconnects.
That said, most DACs do not have an outstanding preamplifier built in. I think most have average passive attenuators, and the better DACs have active preamplifiers that are very good - but not as good as a quality preamplifier.
What are your thoughts?