2. amps-preamps
  3. 119381-71521

DAC vs. Preamp

I have just purchased Parasound JC1 Monos and will be getting Triton Ones soon. I will be using an Arcam cd player and Macbook Pro. I think I'm done with vinyl. Too much work. Would a good DAC be sufficient in this configuration or is a preamp still the way to go. I don't want the DAC to be a weak link yet money is definitely a concern. This is a brand-new system so I'm wide open to suggestions. Help,please.


                                                                                                                             Thanks, Mike

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Showing 2 responses by ricred1

ricred1
1,976 posts
 
I've tried DAC only twice; first time with a PS Audio DSD, second time with the Bricasti M1...my ears prefer the sound with a preamp in the system. I currently have a Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC and Jeff Rowland Corus preamp. It's sounds much better than a DAC functioning as a DAC/preamp.
ricred1
1,976 posts
 
jon2020,

I can't speak on the difference between going direct from the Aeris dac to power amps vs through the Corus preamp. The only dacs I experimented with going direct were the PS Audio DSD and Bricasti M1. I already had the JR Continuum S2 integrated amp when I purchased the Aeris and never had an opportunity to try it direct. The JR 625 S2/Corus combination is a significant step-up from the Continuum S2, but I can't honestly say which component(625 S2 or Corus) has the most impact, because I received them at the same time.

I will say, in my system the Aeris DAC has more detail, images better, and has a slightly larger soundstage than the Bricasti M1. 

In addition, I will admit that I prefer a sound on the slightly warm side of neutral and that's what my current combination provides.   
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