I've tried to use DAC's with volume control in lieu of a dedicated preamp with mixed results - in all cases I preferred the sound with a dedicated preamp. If you're considering tubes, a ModWright SWL 9.0SE should be within your budget and it a terrific sounding preamp. Plenty of reviews online.
Novice requesting preamp options
--Preamp recommendation?--
So I hate to through out such a general question but am really new to higher end audio and hoping to get some guidance.
Recently I've come into some reasonable speakers and an amp. I want to take this chance to change my listening experience. Here are the givens so far (and it's not much, the slate is semi clean):
-- A 5 year old "Peter Gunn" modded pair of Magnepan 1.6's
-- A 7 year old Butler TDB 2250 amp
-- A listening room of approx 20' x 24' with 12' ceilings. The room is too live and needs work.
This is all I currently have.
I'm looking for a preamp recommendation. My price range is up to $1500-$1600.
I don't have a CD player yet (a good one anyway) so am continuing to keep my eye out.
I initially plan to play CD's but am trying to educate myself on digital ie a quality music server and stand alone DAC as I think this may be an option later on. ....But I'm finding myself kind of overwhelmed with all the info out there on digital and think it'll be a while before I even understand what questions to ask.
Thanks for your help.
Andrew
So I hate to through out such a general question but am really new to higher end audio and hoping to get some guidance.
Recently I've come into some reasonable speakers and an amp. I want to take this chance to change my listening experience. Here are the givens so far (and it's not much, the slate is semi clean):
-- A 5 year old "Peter Gunn" modded pair of Magnepan 1.6's
-- A 7 year old Butler TDB 2250 amp
-- A listening room of approx 20' x 24' with 12' ceilings. The room is too live and needs work.
This is all I currently have.
I'm looking for a preamp recommendation. My price range is up to $1500-$1600.
I don't have a CD player yet (a good one anyway) so am continuing to keep my eye out.
I initially plan to play CD's but am trying to educate myself on digital ie a quality music server and stand alone DAC as I think this may be an option later on. ....But I'm finding myself kind of overwhelmed with all the info out there on digital and think it'll be a while before I even understand what questions to ask.
Thanks for your help.
Andrew