Improve sound - 67SE bypass DC1?


I have a Marantz 67SE going to my Lexicon DC1, I’m using the digital out because the DC1 converts everything to digital anyway. From what I’ve read here, and other places, I should do other things first before getting a new transport. This is where I am looking for help, what can I do to improve the sound of my system – short of replacing the DC1, (don’t want to spend that kind of money yet. If I get an inexpensive DAC I assume I will have to have the analog output go to my amps (Monarchy Deluxe 100) because sending it to the DC1 will defeat the purpose of the DAC. If I do this I would guess the DAC would have to have a volume control. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Phil
pj5648

Showing 1 response by tsrart

Phil --

I'm not personally familiar with the 67SE, but I'd say that you should DEFINITELY bypass the DC-1. I have a DC-1/S9000ES combo, and I get much better results not using the Lexicon for 2-channel playback.

What I did is to use the 9000ES's internal DACs (which are pretty good) and send its analog output to a Channel Islands VPC-1 passive preamp ($220 new), then feed that to the amplifier. The nice thing about the passive preamp is that it's simple to integrate with the Lexicon for HT playback -- just turn the volume on the VPC-1 up the whole way, and it disappears from the signal chain, allowing the Lex to drive all the volume just the way it should. The VPC-1 has two inputs (one for the 9000ES, one for the L/R main outputs from the Lexicon). If you have more than one 2-channel source, though, you'll need a preamp with more inputs.

Pat