Yes, I agree my DAC is now my weakest link. Thanks
Preamp vs DAC vs Streamer
I am looking for advice on upgrading the 2.1 portion of my system. My budget is approximately $2,000, but would go 2-3x higher for the right preamp.
My current system:
Marantz 7015 (using pre out)
LSA Warp 1 amp
KEF R11’s
Rythmic F12SE
Pro-ject 1Xpression carbon classic with Hana ML
Rega Aria
Bluesound Node (Qobuz)
Schiit Modi Multibit 2
Marantz CD6007
I am relatively happy with my analog side, but vinyl is my primary listening and further improvement from a quality preamp would be good.
On the digital side, streaming is OK (i use Qobuz), but not as dynamic or clear as vinyl. CD's sound dull and lifeless. The node is connected to my MM2 DAC via USB, CD player to MM2 via Core Power digital coax.
Preamp: Must have subwoofer management, HT bypass & be less than 4.3” tall and 15.5” deep. A quality DAC, don’t need phono stage, don't want ADA conversion for analog.
Subwoofer mgt is key as my amp is a little underpowered for my KEF’s and requiring it to drive the KEF’s full range would be problematic.
Parasound P6 seems to be the only one I can find (at any price) that checks the boxes. Any others, regardless of price?
DAC: Chord Qutest or Schiit YGGDRASIL
Streamer: Open, but quality streamer/DAC combo
i feel like the best next investment is the preamp, but my local shop (Audio Advice) advises against Parasound… new management… going in wrong direction.. warranty service, etc. They have discontinued carrying the brand, and have no preamp solution that meet my requirements. They recommend the Chord Qutest over the Parasound P6 as my next investment.
Thoughts and/or recommendations. Thank you
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- 35 posts total
I see Upscale changed title for those Mullards from NOS to NEW. Guessing they received complaints i.e. deceptive practices. I knew they were new as the price of an actual old stock Mullard would be well above the $43 price tag. Pretty sure it was this forum where I learned Russia bought rights to the Mullard design. As it is, Russia is the center of the tube industry because they still use them in military avionics etc. If anyone can create a new tube to match old specs it would be Russia. A year or so ago I purchased sound deflectors on Etsy from a seller in Ukraine. Guess maybe I will call it a wash and I understand apprehension at helping an enemy. As an option,Brimar tubes are highly rated for Rogue products but I believe they run around $300 a pair.
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@signaforce for tube sourcing or another opinion Brent Jesse is an invaluable resource. Not the same tubes in mine but in my preamp section NOS tubes that were for scientific usage (tight tolerance) yielded fuller bass and better stage, separation. Rolling can be both fun and eye opening. Enjoy! |
@signaforce - let us know when you're ready to update your DAC. We'll be happy to spend YOUR money :) Joking aside, there is vast knowledge of DACs on this forum at all price points. |
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- 35 posts total