2. amps-preamps
  3. 184068-180700

What should I do - PS Audio DAC with or without Preamp

Question for the insightful A-gon community. I have a Schiit Freya + preamp, but...just bought a PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC w/ preamp capabilities. Given my modest set-up (I've listed my system), should I continue with the Freya+ or bypass it and use the DS Jr. as a preamp. Other than streaming my library and Qobuz with Roon, I only play CDs - if that matters.

drbb
drbb OP
17 posts
 

Thanks @ghdprentice and ​​​​​@donavabdear for the good advice and info.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

Do you wanna know which sounds better?

Or is more convenient?

Obviously all of your sources can run through the DAC.

drbb OP
17 posts
 

@fuzztone  Ultimately, sound better. Listening now through the preamp (Freya +) and it sounds pretty darn good. My big concern was that the PS Audio DAC is in a totally different "pay grade" than my preamp.

I'll just have to experiment at some point.

 

ghdprentice
6,423 posts
 

OP,

 

Yes you are correct. Tell us what you hear. My money is on keeping the preamp, so will be interested in hearing.

drbb OP
17 posts
 

Finally, gave it a test and using the preamp with tube stage was the clear winner.

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