DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER

I had tried both ways. While my preamp (VTL TL 2.5) was in service, I was forced to feed the Cary Audio 303/200 CD player directly to my ML 23.5 using the built-in digital volume control. Music sound up-front and I enjoyed it for a little while. However, I cannot say I could enjoy the music for a longer period of time.

Once I got back my preamp, it was a completely a different story. Music was laid back, but depth and left-to-right imaging got more defined as opposed to direct connection. VTL 2.5 is a tube preamp (2x12AU7 and 2x12AT7) and male/female voices were so much better.

I have two DACs in the system (AR DAC2 and DAC3) feeding Cary Audio SLP 03, another tube preamp, and I don't think I will ever go back to direct connections. Preamp is a must have in your system.

There are exceptions ,such as like theT+a 200 dac great in every respect 

has a separateAnalog resistive ladder preamp section,

Bricasti too has a dedicated preamp section in theirs ,

thatbeung said a real good $5k and up dedicated preamp such as the Excellent 

Linear Tube Audio preamp  where you have better isolation and bigger power supplies better dynamics and imaging. , that being said Accuphase has a superb patented preamp section in their upper  integrated amplifiers as does Luxman and top tier Gryphon.

DCS Rossini Apex with and without ARC REF 6SE.

Night and day. I was kinda shocked how much the sound was improved by the addition of the pre-amp. Since I have only one source, I was contemplating selling the RFE 6 as I’ve moved to the UK….but a big fat keeping that piece forever is now my position. All my gear is in a London shop having the voltage converted.

enjoy…!

This is a very timely discussion for me.  I have been contemplating some changes in my system that would involve phasing out my current preamp. I currently have an old Audio Research LS-15 line stage into a Bryston 4bSST2.   I have a Lumin T-2 streamer/dac connected to the LS-15.  For some time I have been considering upgrading the LS-15 but have always considered keeping a preamp in my system.  Recently I have  become interested the the Lumin P-1 streamer/dac/preamp.  I realize it is not a true preamp.  It appears to be a streamer/dac with more inputs offering more flexibility.  My music listening is almost entirely streaming but I do still have a CD player and turntable that I occasionally use but to be honest they are largely ornamental components in my equipment cabinet.  The P-1 would provide the connectivity to keep these components in my system and offer the ability to play them.  I do realize that the P-1 does operate totally in the digital  domain and as such does not have the analog circuitry of a conventional preamp so it only provide the preamp connectivity flexibility but not the potential analog advantages of a preamp.  Does anyone have personal experience with the P1?  Would it be best to upgrade my preamp to another conventional pre or replace it with the P1?  I realize if I ultimately want to answer this question I will need to make the comparison in my own system but am interested in from Lumin P1 owners or those who have heard this streamer/dac/preamp.  The P1 would be an upgrade over my Lumin T-2 so I am confident in that move but am less confident about it replacing my preamp.

Comes down to the quality of the component.  In general as you point out, most DACs do not have a quality output.  BUT a poor preamp can also have an impact on sound quality.  So you need to experiment in your system to see what works best.

Happy Listening.