How can a preamp better the input signal from a DAC or anything else? Wouldn't this be classified as "Coloration" since it must alter the original sound to be "Better?" Of course better is in the ears of the beholder.
I use a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC running balanced Audioquest Sky cables.
I also have another pair of Sky so I could experiment with this very thing.
I think going through an extra set of interconnects affects the sound in and of itself. My reference is taking the DAC straight into an Aesthetix Atlas driving a pair of Vandersteen Quatro CT's. I have tried the ARC REF 5 (my normal preamp before this computer audio experiment) and there's a slight decrease in resolution with a slight added tube coloration when it is in the loop. Some would probably call this better sound but it is a definite coloration to me. Guess you go with your own ears but just my take.
I use a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC running balanced Audioquest Sky cables.
I also have another pair of Sky so I could experiment with this very thing.
I think going through an extra set of interconnects affects the sound in and of itself. My reference is taking the DAC straight into an Aesthetix Atlas driving a pair of Vandersteen Quatro CT's. I have tried the ARC REF 5 (my normal preamp before this computer audio experiment) and there's a slight decrease in resolution with a slight added tube coloration when it is in the loop. Some would probably call this better sound but it is a definite coloration to me. Guess you go with your own ears but just my take.