Do I REALLY need preamp and what do I upgrade the amp too?


Hey everyone-Let me share what I have and then get to the question:

Rotel RC-1590MKII

Rotel RB-1582 MkII

Gustaed DAC-X26 Pro

MAC Mini M2

B&W 805 S2 on 30” stands.

2x Rel T/5x subs using the oututs of the Rotel RB-1582 MkII

Nordost Blue Heaven Speaker cables bi-wire.

2x AQ Colombia RCA interconnects

5x AQ NRG-Z3AQ Power Cables

Core 1000 Power Conditioner

The room is 12x14 with area rugs.

Large L shaped desk with multiple 32” 4K monitors for work.

8x6 open wall is treated.

Ceiling is vaulted.

I listen 100% via Qobuz with Audirvana; all types of music.

Recently I bought an outboard DAC to see how it compares to the internal DAC of the 1590 and I was blown away at the improvement over the DAC built into the Rotel. 

Just today I thought why I would need a preamp if all I use is a the Gustard with variable outputs.  Why not go direct to the amp?

WOW OMFG!!  The difference was spectacular to say the least.  Not saying at all Rotel is a 2nd class, its not, I have massively enjoyed it over the last year.  It allows Roon and Sonos interoperability (Port) which I use often, but I am willing to make a sacrifice.

I have been a silent member for a couple years now.  So, given all the data above, if I sold/traded the Rotel pieces for a sinngle upgraded amp; assume I can get $2K USD out of what I have (concretive) and added $2K to the transaction what would the community recommended? 

I do like to shale the wall and believe in leaving SS electronics on all the time, so I guess that rules out tubes. 

Thanks in advance I am looking forward to the discussions.

 

 

sholladay

Showing 3 responses by kota1

The ML Unison preamp/streamer is only $199 on sale from the original $599. You could connect it to your outboard DAC via toslink, run ARC, and get a nice before and after graph of your room. You can run quobuz from the playfi app on your phone. You can connect additional sources into the Unison and they will also benefit from ARC and your DAC. 

 

 

You have a vaulted ceiling, have you measured your in room FR? I would not drop $ on gear if you don't have the response curve you want in that room. You can hang acoustic clouds to offset the ceiling reflections. 

SonoLite™ Cloud | Clouds, Sound proofing, Velour fabric

@ghdprentice 

Typically I would start with the preamp.

Before calibrating the room or in order to calibrate the room? (like getting a preamp with dsp)