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CDP or DAC with high end volume control

Hi Guys,

I was wondering what you guys think would be a good choice for CDP or DAC for an all digital setup? I want to run without a dedicated preamp (straight into amp with volume control). I know most people here would say a dedicated preamp would sound best though. What I'm looking for is a CDP or DAC that has a volume control that can "drive" an amp similar to an active preamp. One which has the sound quality to rival a very high quality dedicated preamp.

A couple that I've been looking into are the Vitus RD-100, Aesthetix Pandora/Romulus Signature, and Ayon Stealth or Stratos DAC (or current, Ayon top of the line CDP). Any others? Pros/Cons in terms of sound, especially when connected directly to an amp sans preamp? I have not heard any of these components yet either. I'm looking to build a list of possible components to try out. My price range is probably about 10k used.

Solid state or Tube is OK, as long as the sound is quick, natural, maybe slightly on the warm side of neutral is OK. Holographic 3D soundstage with good layering is important. USB input or DSD support is not that important, but a welcome feature for a modern product. I use mostly redbook.

The rest of my system consists of Berning Quad Z tube amps, and Nola Baby Grand Ref 2 speakers.

I think this is my first post. I'm a long time reader of these forums, and buyer/seller of equipment here. I'm starting to research for a purchase a lot further in the future.

Thanks for all of your help!
manthik
reverendo
88 posts
 
Manthik, I have looked for something similar in the past and am back to looking now. Did your quest lead you anywhere?
At the moment I’m using a Resolution Audio Cantata into an integrated, but would love to have a very high-quality DAC with equally high-quality pre into my integrated’s AV entrance, bypassing the pre altogether, since I believe its pre is the weaker part of the deal.
I’ve looked at Audio Aero, Bricasti and others, but was not sure that was the way to go, since I was not sure the preamp would be superior to my current solution. Tubes are not out of the picture, since my amp is SS, since I'm trying to get a little more texture, timbre and color into a very fast, transparent precise sound.
I’d appreciate your experience.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Look for a CDP or DAC that has a max gain adjustment, so the digital volume control can be used at or almost full on your system. Because in most cases if the volume is too low it can lead to "bit stripping", this can happen if below 75%.
Wadia, Mark Levinson, and Bricasti have this maximum output setting, so the volume can be used at or near full, there are bound to be others as well.

Cheers George  
reverendo
88 posts
 
Hi George,
I've been a longtime adept of a "direct DAC" approach, but at the moment I feel that, in my current system, I would like to have an analogue pre with a DAC.
AFAIK, the Bricasti has a digital solution, but I also believe that my Cantata does the same and I would prefer to have an analogue option at the moment. Any ideas?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Any ideas?
Spring $49 for the Schiit Sys passive, which is also refundable.
http://http//schiit.com/products/sys

Or go the switchable passive or tube output Saga $349 refundable.
http://schiit.com/products/saga

Or the switchable passive, tube or solid state output Freya $699 refundable.
 http://schiit.com/products/freya

Cheers George 
cedargrover
302 posts
 
Ayre CODEX. 
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