DACs With Killer Built-In Preamps

Hi Charles, funny post. No, it is still me the active tube preamp lover!

Mlapenta

Great way to o about it!

AudioL, you would need to ask Paul about that, but I think he will build one fully balanced.

Ok, write this down and read the Six Moons review and owner comments.
April Music Eximus DP1 dac is simply a must listen to with or without a preamp. Wonderful and the poster child of,how audio is changing...

Yes, I decided to go preampless for the first time in my audio life. I have tried all manner of passives and digital sources with volume control and always preferred the active tube preamp by a country mile. Never even close.

Well, the Eximus DP1 is my first experience where an active preamp was not needed. I still can't believe it, but it is true indeed. It must be a synergy thing with computer based audio done right with great tube amps.

I cannot even believe I am writing this to be honest. But the facts are the facts. No loss of weight, texture or tone straight from the dac into my tube amps. I give up some stage size and scale, but the music comes through with less "noise" and wonderful resolution and intimacy.

I am always open minded and settle for what sounds best to me. This is a great DAC and when implemented as part of a well executed computer based system - it floats my boat. Easily outperforms any CD based front end I have encountered.

Edorr, my fully tricked out Dude preamp sounds better than the Ref5 and according to some past Ref 25th Anniv owners, better than that preamp. Not a question of preamp quality, just synergy and what I have put together in my home.

Edorr, I want to say that your preamp is awesome and I do respect the AR product line. Not trying to say they are anything less than wonderful.

I have heard my Dude and the Ref5 in the same system and just want to share that the Dude plays in the same league.

I cannot explain why this time around a preless set-up just sounds as good. I do know what I hear however.

Go figure

Apple Mac Mini 2009 with 256 SSD, Mojo Audio power supply, Mountain Lion optimization and Amarra.

Sounds good!

The Ayon is a very nice player and enjoy it! The Dude is simply the finest sounding preamp on the planet based on my experience with all manner of preamps. It simply play s music with the scale and ease one hears in a great live setting. If you like your music served up with a huge and dynamic presentation with an ease one expects at live venues, then this this preamp is it!

The Eximus is very lively sounding with great energy and excitement. Not dull at all.

Just a quick update. I put my TRL Dude back into my system after living with a preampless system for many months. Well, I missed the Dude and it was a mistake to take it out of the system. I think removing the Dude gave the impression that the music gained transparency and improved detail.

Well, that was my ears tricking me for a short while as over the long haul I started to find the music a little brittle, forward and a tad threadbare. I put the Dude back into the system and the music was back.

My preampless system give an impression or perception of improved detail when I found is was really highlighting this area as the body and other musical cues were missing without the Dude.

This was not apparent until time made it absolutely clear. The Dude abides!

I respectfully think that had nothing at all to do with it. All the numbers and
specs line up to make the dac sing in my system, it did sing , but not as
well as the active Dude.

Or perhaps we agree......what do mean by drive?

I understand many things audio and the Eximus dac has enough drive. Just found my tube preamp sounds better.