2. digital
  3. 1341269998

Source vs. DAC vs. Preamp Importance?

Current Setup:

1. PSB Synchrony 2 Spkrs
2. Parasound Halo A21 Amp
3. Marantz AVR as a preamp
4. No Source yet (looking for a CDP)

I have 2000$ left to complete my setup. I was looking at a decent CDP w/preamp like the Audiolab 8200CDQ....but also thought maybe keep the AVR as a preamp and spend the 2000$ on a better used CDP only? The problem with the AVR is that it won't pass through a signal, it would convert A-D and then D-A before sending signal to my amp, how much would that degrade the sound from a good CDP? Is it better to get a great CDP and run it through an AVR's DAC....or get a pretty good CDP w/pretty good built in preamp?

If I had this to do over again I would have spent more evenly across all components. I am a newbie and any advice would be much appreciated!
watsonblues

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The source is just as important as the speakers, but it will be ruined with most active preamps. I would recommend a transformer passive linestage, like the Music First.

The source, whether it is a CD transport or a computer must have low jitter in the master clock. This is the most important aspect in digital audio.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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