Preamp dillema for McCormack Ultra Platinum

This DNA-1 is setup for unbalanced inputs so the input impedance is 100K ohms. My current setup sounds really good, but I want to say there seems to be a very, very slight attenuation or just something missing in the neighborhood of 500 Hz. Perhaps that's just the signature B&K sound...it's not bad by any means, but if I had to put my finger on something, I would start there. Also the upper treble, mainly with the higher register of female vocals, it can sound slightly pitchy for lack of better terms.

It's hard to find the exact fault in my setup but for the sake of discussion, I would say I would like to smooth out the midrange and bring a tiny bit of warmth to the upper treble while maintaining detail and clarity.

Right now I have an Intenso feeding the Ref 50 then into the DNA-1. Instrument and vocal separation is excellent as well as vocal clarity...just seems to reach a little too high at times.

The Ref 50 does not have an analog pass through, "direct" mode I'm fairly sure it will still perform an analog-dig-analog conversion despite removing all tonal and Eq controls.

I agree $1500 is on the low side, but looking for an interim preamp until I can make a larger jump.

Hope that helps.

The Hegel P20 does look nice, I do like the remote... :) 

Thanks for that, I will look into them. I would like to think my VTL 2.5 would work the way I want but this one has 20db of fixed gain.

Thank you for all the words of wisdom. My DNA-1 was not modded for balanced, so that should give me more options.

I like the idea of a DAC with volume control, I believe if I settle on one that will be in the criteria. Right now I’m using a Northstar Intenso and this has changed my thinking on digital inputs....it really is a big step over my SA8005. So much that even adding the Intenso inline with the SA8005 and the preamp the SQ is noticeably improved.

Don’t get me wrong, the SA8005 is a fine player/DAC, but the Intenso adds more refinement especially with a quality USB cable.

I may be spoiled with the Intenso right now so a DAC with a volume control will need to be on par with that DAC SQ wise...which I’m sure is not an issue.

How would you compare the CJ17LS to a modded or even stock TLC-1, or the ARC 12? I do like having a remote for the volume, I need to factor that in.

I appreciate the offer on the ARC LS12....I will give that some serious thought.

I may put the RLD-1 idea on hold as the consensus is it may not be a step forward in the sense I’m looking to go.

Do I need a preamp? Well, I don't think I need one, but I feel that right now it will be the best option given the current setup with the TV, phono stage, we even run the game console through the system....it makes it easier. 

It's just trying to find that right preamp that does it all in my budget....which seems quite difficult...lol.

I did see an ARC LS-10 programmable line stage for sale...little high on the budget but seems to have favorable reviews, I've honestly never heard of one.

Long awaited update but I was able to find a RLD-1 in excellent condition  for just under $500....should be here tomorrow.

I would like to find a good tubed pre again that matches my system but I want to wait and save some more and get what I want.

I'm sure the RLD-1 will serve me well and I plang to discuss upgrade options for it. I'll report back once I have spent some time with it.

Sorry for the lengthy wait on the update....I’ve spent quite a bit of time with this preamp and can say it’s definitely a welcome addition having full analog pass-through.

The transparency and detail quickly became apparent and mates well with my gear.

However, I can tell the RLD-1 and the DNA-1 Ultra Platinum together are just a touch on the bright side and this is very slight. When I say bright, I also want to speculate it’s also a slightly thin midrange and my last tube preamp (VTL 2.5) tended to fill that slight void.

My question is ..given the age of the RLD-1, should I mod the RLD-1 to a platinum or ultra platinum, or maybe look for a used Pass XP-10, or maybe even a XP-20?

I could likely sink $1500-2K into this RLD-1 but I’ve never heard either a modded RLD-1 or any Pass Labs preamp.

Tough call given the cost to modify the RLD-1, but I really like the DNA-1 so I’m not uncertain SMC could make it shine..just a fair bit of coin that could go either way.