2. amps-preamps
  3. 178977-139726

Preamp/DAC Suggestions

I'm currently using a Rogue Sphinx v2 as a preamp with a Mytek Brooklyn amp. Looking for ideas for preamps. I primarily stream Tidal/Qobuz from a BlueSound using a Schiit Multibit DAC but also have my tv plugged into the DAC and use the Rogue for volume control. Speakers are Focal Aria 926s. Looking for something that will give me a really quiet background and more soundstage. Also open to upgrading DAC if that's where I'll get more bang for buck. Budget is under $5000 for DAC and preamp. Other option would be upgrading the integrated and selling Rogue and Mytek, but I like being able to switch around pieces to play with the sound. I'm open to tubes or solid state but really like a totally dark background. 

grateful_dad

Showing 4 responses by soix

soix
9,974 posts
 

Looking for something that will give me a really quiet background and more soundstage.

I owned a Bryston BP6 and it offers these qualities in spades and could save you $$$. I wrote a review on Soundstage and bought the review sample if you want more info.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/equipment/bryston_bp6_cseries.htm

Here’s one available — they don’t specify if it comes with the remote but that can be purchased from Bryston if needed

https://hifi-sound.com/products/bryston-bp6-999

I think running this with a Pontus ll with their DDC and using an i2s connection would be well under budget and be a huge improvement.  Best of luck.

soix
9,974 posts
 

I'm not really sure I want to use tubes going forward in my main system. My kids and wife use the system for tv and often leave it on, which seems to burn through the tubes.

Well, that would’ve been nice information to have upfront.  Thanks. 

soix
9,974 posts
 

Lots of really good recommendations here and I don’t envy you having to weed through them all. I’ll just chime in that it seems to me by and large many people find benefit by using an active preamp in their system. While I know there are also lots of people who are very happy using their DAC as a volume control, that can be very system dependent, and I’ve read lots of posts where people using their DACs for volume control then realizing big performance gains by inserting an active preamp. I can’t remember one where someone removed their active preamp and using their DAC as a volume control was an improvement. My point, this is very system dependent but the odds seem to favor using an active preamp, but obviously you should try both ways in your system. FWIW.

soix
9,974 posts
 

I’d be all over this like a cheap suit if I were you...

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649880165-linear-tube-audio-microzotl-preamplifier-with-level-2-upgrade/

With the money left over and selling the Sphinx you can probably swing a Denafrips Pontus ll DAC.  These would both be huge upgrades and will take you in the direction you’re looking to go — quiet background with larger 3D soundstage.  That’s what I’d do FWIW.  Best of luck.

 

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