Any DAC/CD direct with power amp success stories?

I have used a Benchmark DAC1 and a Lavry Black DA10 direct to a pair of Meitner MTR-101+ monoblocks via 1-metre single-ended interconnects (Canare StarQuad, Mogami 2534, DH Labs SilverSonic, Cardas Golden Cross)--XLR-to-RCA in the case of the Lavry, as it only has XLR outputs.

I found I preferred running the DACs first into the Meitner PA-6i+ preamp. Direct-to-amp is slightly more "pristine and delicate", but, for my ear, loses too much in dynamism and bass "slam" and articulation.

The input impedance on the MTR-101s is 22 kOhm and the output impedance of the Benchmark is 30 ohms, but I don't know the output impedance of the Lavry.

In any case, the foregoing was just an experiment, as I use three sources (FM, turntable, CD) and require, if nothing else, the source selection of a preamplifier.

I have tried some upscale passive preamps, too, but found I prefer a quality active preamp to passive/TVC.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Joel.

A long time ago I had my CD player - Denon DCD3000 (S10 in Asia) driving my ARC classic 60 directly and immediately I discovered so much more detail I missed in the treble. Putting an AI L1 veiled it a little bit but it provided a lot more meat to the body and soundstage. ultimately I kept using a preamp since then.

The remote controlled motorized volume control on the DCD3000 is a bonus ... so I never expected too much out of it.

dcs Elgar or MSB Platinum to tube amps--Melos or ASL Monoblocks. Shunt to ground custom volume control and quattro fil.

Terrific sound, especially with an Offramp serving lossless files through the Sigtech room DSP.