Preamp vs DAC vs Streamer

Thanks, but Anthem & NAD (I believe) both do ADA conversions. Not a showstopper, but seems like unnecessary electronic conversions and eliminating any better quality external DAC’s. Will look at Lyngdorf. Thanks 

Thank you for all your recommendations… in particular, goodlistening! I decided that my best next play was an excellent tube/ss analog preamp. It targets my primary listening… vinyl. It will also improve my digital listening, even given my current DAC/streamer/CD player. 
After reading all the rave reviews, I just ordered the Rogue RP-1. It is everything I was looking for, except bass management, but will figure that out. Will also order the NOS Mullards. I’m excited! DAC can wait. Thanks!

Thank you! This forum is very helpful! Very knowledgeable people. 

@goodlistening64 

The 16db spike was while running Audyssey from my Marantz using HT pass trough on the Rogue. I was using Audyssey to help adjust my subwoofer crossover points. Turned out to be a great idea revealing my problem. Again luckily, plugging the ports provides a very flat left… still some issues on the right (nearer the room corner).

I may be able to do room treatments on that side as there is a clear wall behind the right speaker.
Will let you know on the new tubes. 
BTW, I am old also, but my hearing aids are excellent. Thanks!

Thank you. My RT-1 arrives on Tuesday. I am excited! Interesting, Rogue recommends NOS RCA cleartops and waiting until the current tubes are burned in. 
 

Thank you for your Rogue purchase.  The RP-1 uses a pair of 12AU7s also known as ECC82 or ECC802.  Here is my best advice.  Listen to it for a month or two to allow it to fully break in and for your ears to lock on to the sound.  Then you may have a desire for greater detail, warmer midrange, or other slight changes.  That should help guide your tube upgrade choice.

Generally speaking I am a fan of vintage American tubes from RCA and Sylvania.

@goodlistening64 

it doesn’t seem they have NOS mullards any longer. Just current production Russians. 😒

Yes, I agree my DAC is now my weakest link. Thanks 

The RP-1 has arrived. In my limited vinyl listening (family are in town, limiting my listening), it sounds exceptional, clear, crisp concise, beautiful. Digital also significantly improved. Life is good! Thank you all & merry Christmas/ happy holidays!

@goodlistening64 

My NOS Brimar’s arrived yesterday. They sound spectacular! Lows are crisp, no longer muddy, mids, highs are clear. They sound silky. Overall outstanding results. Thank you for recommending the RP-1 and the tube replacement. Very happy!

My new DAC arrives tomorrow. Look forward to getting my digital side close to vinyl. Thanks again!

Craig

@goodlistening64 

Thanks for your thoughts. The miniDSP came up on another thread I created on tuning my Rhythmic sub with line in. I had never done that in the past and only used LFE from my AVR’s using room correction. The recommendation came from audiophiles. It is a Chinese product, as is Topping, a well respected DAC. There is a US dealer that I would purchase from if I was to buy it. 
The logic of connecting digital to the miniDSP is that the miniDSP has full remote control from my harmony one. I understand the Rogue is a superior preamp, but as you know the remote does not power it on, something I was disappointed with… no issue with vinyl, but with streaming, I like to stream before going to bed, and prefer to do that remotely. I thought about trading up to the RP-5, but it is a little too tall. 
On the positive side, I think I now have the Rhyhmic property set for my R11’s and room and have a set of NOS Brimar’s on the way from Absolute Sound. I look forward to installing them when they arrive! Thanks again!

To be clear on why I really needed room correction or at least low & high pass was I was getting +16db spikes at 32hz from my R11’s! That cannot be adjusted out. Never was a problem before as my crossover point was much higher than that. But now running full range… major problem. And my room, based on windows is not conducive to bass management. 
Luckily plugging the rear ports on the R11’s alleviated the problem. I am hoping with the new tubes, and the bass management, I have in place, I can avoid the miniDSP, as I prefer to stay analog. Thanks 

What do you guys think of the miniDSP SHD for room correction, subwoofer management and DAC. ASR liked it and it seems to have great reviews. I would still use my Rogue for phono, running through the SHD for bass management and room correction, then run all digital through the SHD. Thoughts? Thanks