2. misc-audio
  3. 189121-188127

Do I actually need a dedicated amp/DAC for my setup?

Hello World!

The obvious answer to the question is "Duh!*" with the asterisk being a caveat for like 0.5% of the time.

Well, I might be in that 0.5% of the time and, being right brain not left brain, I might be in a situation where my lust for the Ferrum Erco Gen2 is really unwarranted.

Current setup:

  • Monitor / Destinations:
    • Miniot Black turntable for vinyl (yeah, yeah, jokes aside) which has an admirable internal pre-amp
    • Naim Atom HD for streaming
    • Audiolab 6000 for CDs (for which obviously I’d need a dac/amp)
  • Setups:
    • A) home hifi station: Phonitor XE / Bifrost 2 / Lokius
    • B) at-home work station: JDS Labs Element 3
    • C) home personal computer: SMSL M500 Mk3
    • D) Remote office work station: Atom stack

So the question: do I really need a better amp/dac in my hifi station if I’m only using it for the CD transport & the Phonitor isn't up to par for my flagship headphones? Is using the turntable pre-amp straight to headphones good enough given that it pumps out great volume?

I’m lusting after the Ferrum Erco G2 DAC/amp, thinking of selling the Phonitor/Bifrost/Lokius --- but really, do I really need it? I can take the cd transport through the SMSL MK3 just fine. If I can just sell the Phonitor-trio setup, I can use that $ to put towards the scholarship I set up for kids at my old high school, which would be nice.

Anyways, would appreciate your insight.

 

master_of_pupppets
master_of_pupppets OP
3 posts
 

Sorry.  That was long.

overthemoon
417 posts
 

@master_of_pupppets Your opinion is what matters.

Can you upgrade?  Sure?

Do you need to in order to enjoy music?  Definitely not!  

Here's my alternative.  Invest in a (pick one or more):

  • Excellent recliner (I am partial to Stressless)
  • Music - albums or electronic media
  • Glassware to enjoy your favorite beverage while listening to music

I love my system and I enjoy my friends systems too - the difference in their room, musical tastes and equipment ends up being irrelevant.  I like music and listening with friends makes it often even better while potentially introducing me to new music!

master_of_pupppets OP
3 posts
 

Perfect! Thanks! So the turntable’s pre-amp is fine to use on its own, & aaaall is set. I’ll sell the Phonitor/Schiit stack with no fear, grab myself a cup-holder as you recommend & whoo-hoo! Year 5 of the scholarships is set to go!

kennyc
1,472 posts
 

My triplets are nearly done with college- glad I can afford.

Not sure if one can plug a phono stage directly into your amp like some DACs with a volume control can.  Since the Ferrum has volume control, should be okay but not sure if impedance matching (1 to 10) between the phono stage and amp is an issue 

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