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July 29, 2014 - 10:28am
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Preamplifier and DAC or DAC/Preamp
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NuForce might be a good choice and sites like MusicDirect and AudioAdvisor will let you try the item for 30 days.
Do you need a digital-only preamp/DAC or do you need analog inputs as well? For digital only, you can get something like the Wadia 151 http://www.musicdirect.com/p-2701-wadia-151-powerdac-mini.aspx?source=igodigital& which even includes an amplifier.
If you can stretch your budget, http://www.musicdirect.com/p-117873-musical-fidelity-m1-s-dac.aspx?source=igodigital&
Musical Fidelity generally offers good value for money.
Or consider a used Peachtree.
evanolynuk, I would probably go for an integrated option at this point. There are advantages to both path and i think this is an issue many struggle with. As a general rule, the simplest path often is the best sounding .
Also a DAC/pre combo is very common today so I don't think it limits you. In fact TBH I have seen very few DACs that only do fixed out, most will have the option to select between variable and fixed.
The good thing here is if you have both options, you eliminate the pre today and can always add it in tomorrow if you change you mind.
Always good comments on the peachtree gear. A bit pricey though for the level of functionality that I need.
I hadn't really considered having an analogue input as well. I'm indifferent as to whether I'll put the turntable into this rig, but the option would be nice. I'll check out these options!
A friend is also selling a dacmagic. Any luck with those units?
Thank you,
Always good comments on the peachtree gear. A bit pricey though for the level of functionality that I need.
I hadn't really considered having an analogue input as well. I'm indifferent as to whether I'll put the turntable into this rig, but the option would be nice. I'll check out these options!
A friend is also selling a dacmagic. Any luck with those units?
Thank you,
Stereophile gave a pretty favorable review of the headphone version of DacMagic (see below). The "DacMagic Plus" is the pre-amp model and should be pretty good, too. But I'll note it uses a completely different chipset, trading the XS' ESS Sabre for Wolfson's.
From http://www.stereophile.com/content/entry-level-40-page-2
"The sound? In a word, glorious. Whereas the AudioQuest DragonFly traded some speed for a more relaxed, full-bodied sound, and the Audioengine D3 sacrificed some grip and control for transient clarity and overall presence, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS fell somewhere in between, offering greater top-end clarity and extension than the AQ, but with a richer, more relaxed overall sound than the Audioengine. In addition, the DacMagic XS was more revealing of recording artifacts and low-level detail than either the DragonFly or the D3—a characteristic whose advantages varied with the quality of the recording."