Which preamp to use?


  Hi all, Hopefully this is an easy question. Should I continue using my Benchmark DAC2 HGC as a preamp for my cd's and vinyl with digital out from a Marantz SA-7S1? Or the Pass Labs XP-20 using the analog out from the Marantz?.  Purchased a used XP-20 and didn't think about this.  Not sure if the cost of the pass Labs is worth this change.  Very happy with what I have now. Had to mess with it. Some Opinions?  
  Equipment:

 .Bryston 28b2 mono blocks
  Prima Luna Dialogue 7 mono blocks
  VPI Prime signature with Ortofon Cadenza blue.
  Pass Labs XP 17 phono.
  JBL 4350's bi amped. with JBL 2397 horns 
  And the Marantz cd player and benchmark DAC. 

  Thanks
rhodes

Showing 4 responses by rhodes

I never had a really good preamp so will see what happens. thanks. will get back.  
 Maybe I thought there was a technical answer.  Thanks all for good suggestions.   
dable, cdp to pass lab preamp. It was a no brainer to leave the dac2 out.    WOW  what  an improvement. it didn't talke long to decide. Everything is better. The dac 2  in line made it somewhat muffled and dull.  Now i'll just  use the Benchmark for streaming. A little worried about the purchase but it worked out wonderfully. I would still  recommend the dac2 for a preamp for the money.  
     thanks