The_crow - the volue in both DACs (Scarlatti and Debussy) is exactly the same. I'm puzzled by Stereophile comments, to say at least.
I have owned both Puccini and Scarlatti, and always prefered the direct connection. At the time I got the Puccini, I also had the ARC Ref-3 preamp, which I quickly sold, as I preferred the direct connection. I have also tried several preamps in the $15-20k range, with similar findings.
I have owned both Puccini and Scarlatti, and always prefered the direct connection. At the time I got the Puccini, I also had the ARC Ref-3 preamp, which I quickly sold, as I preferred the direct connection. I have also tried several preamps in the $15-20k range, with similar findings.