DACs with Preamp Stages, Pt 2

I have the RME and while I really wasn't a fan of it driving my amp direct, it does have several output settings to achieve the correct gain.  Still it wasn't a great match with my amp(s)    

The RME has a setting called Auto Reference for the volume.  It uses a combination of software and hardware to handle volume.  There is a table in the manual that references the dBu scale relative to voltage output.   

-5db outputs 1v ,  all the way up to +13dB  which is over 3 volts at "0" ref volume 

Thanks, I have been looking at those Bel Canto units a lot recently. 

Could you explain your romance in more detail?

Without getting too graphic about it…

First off, there was a sense of the instruments being in the room with me; castanets, cymbals, vocals, bass notes, all frequencies were extremely crisp, clear and present. 
Next, the unit worked beautifully straight to the amp, at all volume levels. 
Finally, and hardest to explain, was an almost ethereal sense of the music being all around me, although each instrument was anchored to its own place. Without getting too analytical about it, it just sounded amazing. I know some of that was due to the piece I was listening to (Sevdaliza’s album Ison), and to the speakers (Bryston Middle T’s), but when the DAC was swapped out for Qutest, the sound just wasn’t the same. 

Could you explain your romance in more detail? 

IN love…

Thanks fuzztone — I was leaning toward the RME, but I heard the Bel Canto yesterday and fell I love. I havent heard the RME yet, but I’m pretty sure I’d like it. 

A member here A/B'd the RME vs Soekris on approval and sent the Soekris back.

Hi, great question.  I just bought a dac Reimyo 777 that was made around 2008. It only does 44.1 cd quality so I have to down sample from my Lumin U2 mini.  My SPL Preamp has a DAC in it that will do all formats.  I much prefer the sound of the Reimyo so yes to me it makes sense to buy what sounds good and not worry about the upcoming formats.  

Best

jh