2. amps-preamps
  3. 185830-165703

Do I REALLY need preamp and what do I upgrade the amp too?

Hey everyone-Let me share what I have and then get to the question:

Rotel RC-1590MKII

Rotel RB-1582 MkII

Gustaed DAC-X26 Pro

MAC Mini M2

B&W 805 S2 on 30” stands.

2x Rel T/5x subs using the oututs of the Rotel RB-1582 MkII

Nordost Blue Heaven Speaker cables bi-wire.

2x AQ Colombia RCA interconnects

5x AQ NRG-Z3AQ Power Cables

Core 1000 Power Conditioner

The room is 12x14 with area rugs.

Large L shaped desk with multiple 32” 4K monitors for work.

8x6 open wall is treated.

Ceiling is vaulted.

I listen 100% via Qobuz with Audirvana; all types of music.

Recently I bought an outboard DAC to see how it compares to the internal DAC of the 1590 and I was blown away at the improvement over the DAC built into the Rotel. 

Just today I thought why I would need a preamp if all I use is a the Gustard with variable outputs.  Why not go direct to the amp?

WOW OMFG!!  The difference was spectacular to say the least.  Not saying at all Rotel is a 2nd class, its not, I have massively enjoyed it over the last year.  It allows Roon and Sonos interoperability (Port) which I use often, but I am willing to make a sacrifice.

I have been a silent member for a couple years now.  So, given all the data above, if I sold/traded the Rotel pieces for a sinngle upgraded amp; assume I can get $2K USD out of what I have (concretive) and added $2K to the transaction what would the community recommended? 

I do like to shale the wall and believe in leaving SS electronics on all the time, so I guess that rules out tubes. 

Thanks in advance I am looking forward to the discussions.

 

 

sholladay
kota1
2,706 posts
 

The ML Unison preamp/streamer is only $199 on sale from the original $599. You could connect it to your outboard DAC via toslink, run ARC, and get a nice before and after graph of your room. You can run quobuz from the playfi app on your phone. You can connect additional sources into the Unison and they will also benefit from ARC and your DAC. 

 

 

classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
160 posts
 

Mikey on preamps

classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
160 posts
 

Audiogon is rejecting my posts, so I'll post in pieces. 

Like you'll I'll soon focus on whether I believe a preamp is necessary for my system. Mikey, in the video above, argues that preamps aren't economical for high-end all-digital systems--better so spend that money on other equipment. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,522 posts
 

Since you only stream this is what I would do for gear. Sell the following:

  • Rotel RC-1590MKII

  • Rotel RB-1582 MkII

  • Gustard DAC-X26 Pro (I owned this and liked it)

  • 2x AQ Colombia RCA interconnects

Do not use your MacMini direct to your DAC. Use a streamer using fibre optical to kill the analog noise before the DAC. Get a network switch with a SFP fibre cage and use fibre optical for streaming.

Buy the PeachTree GAN1 "dac+amp+preamp". You can get the BluSound bundle they sell or use what I use, which I would think is much better. A Sonore OpticalRendu streamer + Sonore USB-2-SPDIF convertor ($500). Call or email Sonore first to see if the OpticalRendu is compatible with the Audirvana you use. I forgot what Audrivana is.

The OpticalRendu is being replaced with a new version this Fall. A few units are now showing up in the used market. I bought a second unit for $700 last week to pair with my PeachTree GAN1. I will use it as a killer headphone amp.

The Peachtree GAN1 in stock form ($1500) maybe better than what you currently have. However, getting it modded by Tweakaudio.com to what I have takes the sound to amazing levels (mod $500). I sold $15K of gear after deciding to go streaming only with the modded GAN1 in the office. Unfortunately, I missed my 2 tuners for my morning dose of KCRW FM. So, I have relegated the modded GAN1 for headphone only duty for my backyard!

I have a CODA #16 amp + Schitt Yggi+ LM DAC + Holo Serene preamp which is incredible (can bring you to tears), the modded GAN1 is almost as good as that. The reason is that so much circuitry and cables are eliminated with the GAN1 approach. Just stunning and not just for the price.

Part II of what you could do is DSP. I am not sure about Audirvana but ROON does support the following software-based DSP, Convolution Filters.

Mitch Barnett can remotely measure your room and provide customized Convolution Filters for your gear, room, and seating position ($700). The dude is a DSP genius.

Digital Room Calibration Services, Convolvers, Headphone Filtersets (accuratesound.ca)

The filters would run on the MacMini. The Convolution filters can be as complex as you need. Ask yourself what is more powerful, your MacMini, or any audio component ever built.

BTW - put a Holo Serene or a Benchmark LA4 preamp in front of the Gustard (2 super quiet preamps). I owned the Gustard X26 Pro before. There is no comparison. The volume on the X26 Pro is minor league.

BTW2 - I just noticed you had a sub. In that case, the BluSound streamer is what you need and not the OpticalRendu (which sounds better).

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