2. pc-audio
  3. 1283637447

Pre/Pro in Computer Setup

At the risk of heresy, I'm considering using a pre/pro for my computer 2-channel setup. I've owned a number of DACs, both with built in preamps and without. I'm fairly well versed in computer implementation over the past 3 years of trying different equipment/etc. I've found the more I upgrade and invest, the more good recordings sound good and poor recordings sound worse.

My question is, has anyone found a good home theater pre/pro that serves great as a DAC for 2 channel playback (not one with bypass or passthrough, but one that does a great job with SPDIF into 2 channel)? I'm considering downsizing my setup by eliminating my tube DAC from the equation and retaining my Empirical Audio Offramp Turbo-3 converter and the high priced digital cabling/etc. I have a newer Rotel receiver right now and using it as the DAC/preamp it sounds reasonably good (considering the costly upstream USB conversion and cabling feeding the receiver).

Thanks
mb9061

Showing 1 response by ballan

ballan
184 posts
 
I have had great success with Meridian processors for music.

I also have been very impressed with the Proceed PAV/PDSD combo that I've had since 1997. While the Proceed is not "cutting edge", it has worked flawlessly and performs extremely good with 5.1 and stereo material.

Another good solution is (was) the Linn 5103 and Naim AV2. Again, these products are not new, but they both make great "two channel" music processors.
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