Nice system! I would vote preamp for sure. The May is well reviewed and well liked. I have a Coda #8 and tried the 07x, it was not my favorite out of the four solid state preamps I tried. Each one was unique and made a big difference, I think a DAC change would be more subtle. Given your system and budget, this will be a seismic upgrade. I will leave tube preamp recommendations for those with experience with the gear.
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 4 responses by zlone
@backdoor I commented earlier about the Pass XP-12, but saw your question on the Benchmark. The LA4 was one of the other preamps I tried and I liked it a lot. Very resolving and also great for low volume listening. It is a bit on the cold side however, and I do prefer the Pass. I would put the LA4 at the other end of the spectrum from the 07x, detailed and analytical, in comparison to the warmth of the 07x. The Pass is somewhere in the middle. |
@backdoor It seems to be a common remark that Pass preamps are not as good as their amps. Their amps have such a stellar reputation, maybe in contrast the preamps just seem okay but compete well with others? There are so many flavors out there, you just have to find one that you like. For now, Pass is doing it in my system. As always, YMMV.
|