Tube Dac to Tube pre?

Scoly1, I read your original posts a few times just to make sure I understand what you are asking for. I've not used a squeezebox myself, but based on the pictures I found online of the unit, I think this is how it works.

Currently, you are probably connecting squeezebox to your DAC via the digital output (orange) connector on the squeezbox. It looks like the squeezbox also has an internal DAC, so an alternative is that you can connect the squeezbox directly to a preamp via a pair of RCA cables. The reason that the preamp does not have a digital input is because most preamps only accept analog signal. So if you have a digital source, you would need a DAC to convert the digital signal to output to analog signal. Most digital source has either DAC built-in or would need to connect to an outboard DAC via a digital output/digital cable.

What are you connecting the DAC to currently? Is it connected to an integrated amp (is there a volume control on your amplier) then to the speakers? What's the reason you are adding a preamp?

Remember at one time all electronics are based on tubes. Many audio gear today still are. So, having tubes in both your DAC and preamp, and even in your amp, would not be an issue. As tubes are easy to change and will alter the sound characteristics, you now have the ability to change tubes in your DAC as well as your preamp to your liking.

FrankC

Remember, many of the NOS EXPENSIVE tubes around are faulty and/or fake.

Frank,
Thanks for taking your time to go through this.

"What are you connecting the DAC to currently? Is it connected to an integrated amp (is there a volume control on your amplier) then to the speakers? What's the reason you are adding a preamp?"

Currently the dac is connected to a Marantz sr6006 ht pre/pro with a Bryston 3bst amp handling the amplifier duties for the front Gallo Ref 3.1 Speakers..

I saw major sq differences when I added both the dac and the amplifier to my system. Everything I read indicates that a significant improvement can be had with a seperate preamp vs the ht processor.
Hard to verbalize what I want. Even though my system sounds very good to me I know it can be better. Would like tighter placement of instruments, front to back imaging, tighter bass, a more you are there feeling.
Thanks
Steve

Let's see old tubes sound better than new ones and old records sound better than newer digital recordings.

Are there any old technology known to man that are deemed superior to modern technology outside of the high end audio world? Or are we audio buffs perhaps just a little whacked?

Hi Steve,

So the answer to your original question is "Yes". There should not be any issue. And you should hear some improvement by replacing the pre/pro with a better preamp. What types of tubes will go into the DAC and the pre? Most NOS tubes, meaning tubes that were made in their golden days, will sound better than current productions. Different manufacturer will have different house sound as well. There have been some decent tubes coming out of China and Russia recently. I have not compare them to my NOS stash yet, but they will typically cost less, and are more accessible.

What music file format are you streaming? That may also impact SQ as well.

FrankC