Preamp for Magnepan

Hey, has anyone tried running a DAC/Pre to SS amp to Maggies?
DACs such as the Alpha DAC, Bel Canto 3.5vb, Weiss ...

2channelchicago

Keep in mind all responses refer to maggie 1.6's and magnestand 1.6's) Yes I have tried a benchmark DAC/preamp into a an Extreme Odyssey Amplfier; a Monarchy DAC 24/tube preamp into the same Odyssey amplfier and I preferred the Monarchy DAC 24/preamp to the Benchmark at least with the Odyssesy amplfier. Later I made a "sideways" amplfier change (Nuforce v2's) SOMETIMES I MAKE STUPID DECISIONS BASED ON WHAT TO BUY IN AUDIOLAND FROM WHAT I READ IN THOSE INANE AUDIO MAGAZINES ahhggGGGG!!!!! and the Monarchy DAC/24 was a WAaayyyy beter match for the Nuforces in comparisison to the Bencmark Dac/preamp combo. I have recently started the break in of my Magnestand modded 1.6's (crossover) and the Monarchy DAC is much better fit with the Magnestand 1.6's than the Benchmark product( keep in mind that this is all a very early subjective listening audition).
Also please keep the following in mind: I am really active in looking for a"new preamp" to match the extrodinary performance of the DAC 24 tube output with the Magenestand mod. My ears tell me that the Magnestand mods have really spotlighted the issue of amplfier/preamplfier/speaker interaction. My new speakers are now very revealing of whats upstream in my stereo system (that sucks). In other words if there is crap upstream you will now hear it with the mods. Also I am aware that for what ever reaason at least at this point in my crazy audiophile evolution that until now I would be reluctant (personal preference)to choose a solid state preamp with a solid state amplfier.

Best wishes

Charlie

Charile,

This weekend I listened to the Weiss DAC 202 and the Berkeley Alpha DAC, although not with Maggies. Each sounded excellent and, IMO, best when connected directly to the amp, rather than through either a SS or tube preamp. This was especially so with High Rez music, but with CDs as well. I will demo each at home when my Maggies arrive (hopefully) in July. The tube preamps seemed to my ears to muffle the sound. I preferred the definition from the DACs to the amps without any preamp.

Regards, Steve

Check out this user review of the Fire preamp:

http://www.AudioAsylum.com/forums/amp/messages/13/136780.html

Thanx for the link, Muralman. Just don't think I need a pre.
I'll report on this when the Maggies arrive and I have a chance to demo the DACs with them at home.