@krelldog Thanks for starting this discussion as I'm also looking into the role of a pre-amp in my system. We have the same amp. For now, I'm using the "straight wire with gain" approach. My DAC sounded great connected directly to the amp, but that left me with having to change out cables to use my turntable (my phono preamp has adjustable gain so it could also be connected directly via unbalanced inputs to the amp). The Topping pre90 was eminently affordable, described in several reviews as not affecting source sound, and allowed the use of my turntable. Uncertain re it being a permanent solution, but certainly makes for an enjoyable system as is. My thinking is to look at tube preamps for providing a different, maybe better, flavor to the sound. Uploaded photos to update my virtual system.
Whats the ultimate goal with your pre amp ?
I have a great pre amp its a Pass labs XP-22. Its a great compliment to the rest of my gear-Pass 250.8-Pass XP-17 phono pre-VPI Prime Signature TT-Auralic Aries 2.1 Streamer- PS Audio Directstream MK2--Harbeth 40.2 Anniversaries.
My question is- At what point is a pre amp overkill ? Example- In terms of performance- How close does a Parasound JC-2 get to a Pass XP-22 ?
In my mind I want the Pre to be uncolored..silent...and have flexibility/with XLR's in and out. Does or should it cost 10K to achieve this ?
The point of this post is to gather opinions on what other audiophile thoughts are .
Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.