An Accuphase DP-65 or DP-75 runs very well "straight in". I sold a CAT SL-1 III with factory-simplified signal path because it was SO much less transparent than a top quality DIY passive preamp. But the my Accuphase DP-75 "straight in" is OBVIOUSLY better even than the best possive passive. I'll never own an active preamp again, but tastes differ. Some people are going to LIKE what an active preamp adds to the recorded sound. And who could object to that?
Is a preamp necessary?
Some advice if you please...
I just picked up a Proceed DAP and am thrilled with its performance--really improved the sound of my system (described below):
B&K Ref 2220 amp
Denon DCM 460 5 disc CD carousel
NAD C-160 preamp
Proceed DAP
Martin Logan Aerius (bi-wired from the amp)
Phoenix Gold speaker wires
Phoenix Gold and Audioquest Turquoise RCA interconnects
The Proceed DAP and the B&K amp both have balanced ins/outs, but the NAD C-160 does not. The DAP has volume control capability.
Here is the question--would I see (hear) an improvement in sound if I went straight from the DAP to the amp with high quality XLR interconnects and took the preamp out of the signal path?
Or, should I get a higher quality preamp that has balanced ins/outs?
My only source component for this system is the CD player/DAP...I don't need tape loop/tuner/phono...and my HT is in another room.
My tax refund is due soon, and I'm just itchin' to spend it...
Thanks
Mitch
I just picked up a Proceed DAP and am thrilled with its performance--really improved the sound of my system (described below):
B&K Ref 2220 amp
Denon DCM 460 5 disc CD carousel
NAD C-160 preamp
Proceed DAP
Martin Logan Aerius (bi-wired from the amp)
Phoenix Gold speaker wires
Phoenix Gold and Audioquest Turquoise RCA interconnects
The Proceed DAP and the B&K amp both have balanced ins/outs, but the NAD C-160 does not. The DAP has volume control capability.
Here is the question--would I see (hear) an improvement in sound if I went straight from the DAP to the amp with high quality XLR interconnects and took the preamp out of the signal path?
Or, should I get a higher quality preamp that has balanced ins/outs?
My only source component for this system is the CD player/DAP...I don't need tape loop/tuner/phono...and my HT is in another room.
My tax refund is due soon, and I'm just itchin' to spend it...
Thanks
Mitch