2. amps-preamps
  3. 169407-141526

Marantz PM Ki Ruby and RME ADI 2 (Am I crazy?)

Hey guys,
My setup is node 2i > rme adi 2 dac > pm ki ruby > dynaudio special 40s.

All this while I’ve been using the RME as a dac and the marantz as pre and power.

while browsing some random stuff, I realised that the rme could also be used as a pre and the marantz just as a power amp. 

And of course, I tried.  But am I crazy to think that my system sounds better? The soundstage has widened , better imaging and overall improved sonics. Is this even possible or just my mind playing tricks? 
Please help, I’m losing it!! Lol
prashanth13485

Showing 8 responses by prashanth13485

prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
Haha.. fair enough.  The fact that what’s mainly a dac, it’s pre amp somehow sounds better than the pre amp of what’s considered a higher end marantz amplifier . Just doesn’t make sense to me. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
Thanks guys.. I’m glad that I’m not imagining. 
Should I consider upgrading my marantz to a dedicated power amp? If so, any recommendations for the special 40s?
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@jjss49 is the power amp of the marantz as good as they come for the price or should I consider upgrading? If latter, do you have any recommendations? Thank you, appreciate your inputs. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@gakerty well, it looks like your preamp is more expensive than my integrated and rme combined? So it better sound better.  Lol
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
Thanks everyone!

@jason thank you. You’re right, based on other comments, I believe the marantz’s pre is not as good. So I will keep it as my power amp. I doubt anything in its price range can beat it.

so potentially I could upgrade by getting a dedicated pre amp or a better streamer or both.

will the lumin u1 mini be a substantial upgrade over the node 2i if I leave everything else as it is? If so, what sort of difference can I expect in sound? Soundstage, tonality, imaging, ? 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@mofojo sorry but can you please elaborate? I’m not very technical. I’ve left the reference volume on auto (-5db). The volume on the rme is around -25db to -40db. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks again for your help!
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@mofojo thank you. Don’t think I’ve ever used the loudness feature. I’m going to go through the rme encyclopaedia (user manual) and play around with it. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@jjss49 that makes sense. Until I can afford a dedicated pre amp with solid linestages, I’m just going to stick with this. And yes, I’m really enjoying this new sound signature. Thank you!
More to discover