I have a DNA .5 Deluxe that I recently modded to near rev A status.Definitely save up for the mods after you get your preamp. You'll never even think of upgrading again, unless of course you go for a whole different type of system - like a 3 watt triode amp.
As for preamps, I originally had a TLC-1 passive. It ruined me for life. There is damn few active linestages that have the transparency of a passive unit. Unfortunately, the passives lack dynamic impact. If you listen to any kind of rock or jazz or BIG classical, then I would suggest bypassing the passive route and going for an active unit.
The McCormack amps have a high input impediance for use with passives, so are also a good match for tubed linestages. After a lot of searching I finally found a unit that was almost as transparent as the TLC-1, and gave me much better dynamics (BTW - the mods to rev A also improved the dynamics greatly). You will definitely have trouble finding it anywhere though, those who buy one don't get rid of it often. It's an Audio Prism Mantissa preamp, now owned by Mark Levinson and sold under the Red Rose banner.
Now, if you don't go with a passive to begin with you may not have my problem with transparency. But if you do go passive first, don't say I didn't warn you.
Enjoy,
Bob
As for preamps, I originally had a TLC-1 passive. It ruined me for life. There is damn few active linestages that have the transparency of a passive unit. Unfortunately, the passives lack dynamic impact. If you listen to any kind of rock or jazz or BIG classical, then I would suggest bypassing the passive route and going for an active unit.
The McCormack amps have a high input impediance for use with passives, so are also a good match for tubed linestages. After a lot of searching I finally found a unit that was almost as transparent as the TLC-1, and gave me much better dynamics (BTW - the mods to rev A also improved the dynamics greatly). You will definitely have trouble finding it anywhere though, those who buy one don't get rid of it often. It's an Audio Prism Mantissa preamp, now owned by Mark Levinson and sold under the Red Rose banner.
Now, if you don't go with a passive to begin with you may not have my problem with transparency. But if you do go passive first, don't say I didn't warn you.
Enjoy,
Bob