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
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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
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 Maybe I thought there was a technical answer.  Thanks all for good suggestions.   
Let your ears decide.


seems to me the above is the operative advice... if you have the components at the ready to run it both ways, then compare option a to b and pick which is better to you...

silly to ask us, no? ... 🤷‍♂️
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The Pass preamp is a very good preamp. If I were to put money on it, I would bet going through the Pass would be much better than using the Benchmark as preamp. I would make the Pass the center of my system and swap other components to maximize sound quality. The Pass is a fine piece of high end audio gear. One I would still be proud to own.

if your ears disagree, I would listen some more. But ultimately your ears are the final judge.
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lots of good preamps, even Benchmark seems to agree the the pre in their DAC isn't as good...
The DAC2 HGC will sound better with a Benchmark LA4 or HPA4 preamp, especially at low volumes. I have had all 3 units. I am inclined to believe that the PASS preamp will also be better than the DAC3 HGC direct to amp. I found the volume on the HGC the weakest part of that DAC.
I never had a really good preamp so will see what happens. thanks. will get back.  
If you want to listen to your records in a total analog chain you have to use the XP-20. I'm not saying that sounds better but it just might, since you have it already try both ways and get back to us.
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