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DAC's Streamer and Preamps

I have been searching for a DAC for a while now.  In the meantime I have been using a laptop plugged into my preamp until I decide on the DAC I want.  I definitely know this isn't optimal. In my search I have been looking at individual DAC's, DAC's with preamps or volume control,  DAC's  with streamers built in and sometimes all three.  I wanted to throw it out there and find out what people's preference is?  I know previously having everything separate was the best way to go but because of technology things has changed a bit.  What are your thoughts?

brbrock
soix
11,233 posts
 

What improvements/sound characteristics are important to you, what’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?

vinylshadow
556 posts
 

For DAC's- Audio Analogue. $5k and it has analogue volume control so no preamp necessary. Plus has analog inputs for a phono preamp. 

jonwolfpell
530 posts
 

I have & really enjoy my Bricasti M1 Series II DAC. It has a volume control & available w/ a streamer. It’s built very well in MA , sounds great & fully upgradable as they make improvements to an already excellent & time tested design & execution.

retiredaudioguy
289 posts
 

I have become impressed by Eversolo's offerings.

In particular the DMP A8 is rather good, I use it in my 2nd system, connected to a 300B SE amp and Harbeth P3ESR speakers.

This device has a streamer, DAC and Preamp in one well made box.  It supports a very wide array of streaming and Internet Radio sources.

IMHO it matches its reviews.

 

hk_fan
631 posts
 

I used my Weiss Helios as a preamp for quite a while, it also has a built in streamer which is convenient.  A preamp does make it better but certainly not a requirement.

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