Thank you for your input. Interesting thoughts. I had always believed the preamp mad a difference in whatever system I had at the time. I have tried eliminating the preamp and it has not sounded quite right to me. However, I have not tried it with a Dac the caliber of pretty much any of the Lampis.
Preamp or DAC
Hello all. My system consists of the following:
Coda 16 Amp, Coda 07x preamp, Holo May KTE Dac, Aurender N20, Legacy Audio Signature SE speakers and a pair of REL 812 subs. I am considering changing either the preamp or Dac. I would like to go with tubes. Would you think I would get more sq change in changing the preamp or Dac? I am thinking Dac but I wanted to hear your opinions. Considering ARC, new Don Sachs or Aric Audio in pres and Lampizator or other in DACs. So, would the preamp or DAC make a bigger difference? I will say I have a $12k to $15k budget.
Thanks
Showing 8 responses by backdoor
Thanks for all the feedback. You have given me a lot to think about. The impedance issue for sure I had not thought about yet. Generally, there seems to be a split decision on preamp first or Dac first. Honestly, when I asked the question I thought the answers would be Dac first but many feel preamp will make the most difference. But then I do need to look at possible impedance issues. |
@audphile1 yes I am using AES/EBU connection currently and I too believe it sound better than USB or any of the others. I will take a look at Bricasti. Thank you for your input. Ultimately, you are more than likely right.
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Honestly I really like the 07x I think it is very resolving, has a very wide soundstage and separation of instruments is excellent. I have no complaints. I am just looking for a next level and I wanted to get opinions on which of the two components would yield the most change in sq. I also wanted to try some tubes with the other components in my system. But I do really like the 07x and I have read where many reviewers/owners think it has tube like qualities. I definitely recommend it and even if I were to get a tube preamp I am pretty sure I will keep the 07x.
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@zlone thanks for that analysis of these preamps. A lot of very good preamps and DACs have been mentioned in this thread. Some of the highest regarded have been solid state but also some very good tube ones as well. I have generally considered Pass to be great amplifiers and not so great with their preamps but I am seeing many high marks for their preamps too. |
@audiotroy the Zesto is one of the tube preamps that keeps popping up along with new Sachs and Aric Audio and a few others. I need to look into the Zesto. Thanks for your input. |