The EAD is indeed a good choice. If you want something less expensive, you can pick up an Acurus ACT-3 for less that $1K, and it's a great sounding prepro (and very simple to use). Running my Resolution Audio CD-55 direct to the power amp is a notch better, but the ACT-3 is pretty darn good for the money.
Sweet DACs in HT prepro
10 years ago I purchased a muse model 2 DAC and was
shocked and relieved by the reduction in grain and edge
provided for digital playback. Ever since then, I have
been reluctant to purchase a HT preprocessor because I
don't ever want to hear edge and grain in my system again.
Not even for movies. Would rather just listen to 2
channel HT, if I can't find HT pre with quality DACs.
I don't care about video switching. I don't care about
remote controls. I don't want to purchase a $5K prepro
to have designer ambience control. I want a basic 5.1
channel processor with high-quality internal DACs which
will give me sweet, decoded sound.
Is this a pipe dream?
shocked and relieved by the reduction in grain and edge
provided for digital playback. Ever since then, I have
been reluctant to purchase a HT preprocessor because I
don't ever want to hear edge and grain in my system again.
Not even for movies. Would rather just listen to 2
channel HT, if I can't find HT pre with quality DACs.
I don't care about video switching. I don't care about
remote controls. I don't want to purchase a $5K prepro
to have designer ambience control. I want a basic 5.1
channel processor with high-quality internal DACs which
will give me sweet, decoded sound.
Is this a pipe dream?