Tried just my DAC as Preamp and started something.

I’ve really been enjoying my integrated from my DAC and steamer front end for quite a while. And I really should have left well enough alone…but we all know how that goes…

For several months now, I’ve been using a Topping D70s (mqa) into a Creek Evolution 50A in “pure DAC” mode (blue tooth and preamp disabled), which is a recommended setting if not operating straight into a power amp. I’ve been doing this, rather happily, under the assumption that on shouldn’t bother with said digital preamp and just wait to try separates or the real effect.

Well…rattling in my head was the knowledge that this Creek is quite flexible in its settings, and that the D70s also has a solid 5v output through xlr. So the other day, I did the power off/on special menu clickity-click, etc, to put the DAC back into preamp mode and the Creek into direct mode. And…wow. I’m kinda liking it better this way. I mean, the Creek with its own preamp stage is a bit sweeter tonally, but with the DAC taking that over? More impactful, more etched (in a good way), better stage in all directions, better localization and instrument separation. Tone is also still very nice, realism intact.

So now I’m almost afraid to reset it the way it was, and even wondering if I should continue down the separates path. Just wanted to see what some of you here have encountered with this rabbit hole, as equipment matching can be such a beatch! Wondering if just a decent preamp added to the chain would be even nicer than with the DAC preamp, since the Creek into my Quad S2’s already pair so nicely.

Any recommendations on preamps, eventual amps… or if I should just do the anti-purist thing and stick with the the dac as pre and later pair with an amp?

For preamps, been looking at Freya S, Topping Pre90. Really like solid state, but also looking at Freya + and Vincent Audio pre. Can only dream about Burmester with my current budget, on and on… 

Now entering the 🐇🕳