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?
You want a DAC that can keep up with the over 10K DAC’s? Give this one a try:
The inside of the APS Audio Modified PS Audio Directstream DAC . This is one of the best sounding DAC’s that does not sound digital. The Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS It’s a DSD / FPGA / Audio Transformer based DAC. No DAC chip! We compared this to many over 10K DAC’s and it always came out on top. |
I am a separate component guy, but, it will cost you more money in interconnects, power cables, and possibly linear power supplies, and you will need more space. Of course components give you more flexibility for individual upgrades. I am old school and always believed that separates improved the sound, but, in the medium and high end that may not be the case anymore. I have separate preamp, monoblock amps, separate CD/SACD transport, separate DAC, separate streamer, separate LPS (s). So, for example, if I update my DAC, my streamer and transport will take advantage of the upgrade and my preamp does not need to be upgraded. But, you already know all that... When I started, Marantz Receivers were near the top of the line, so, integrated.... then separates were the rage, and now, integrated is back. In addition, the old Marantz receivers are still considered good sound today. So, I would say that today, either component or integrated can give great sound, just go with your needs and the best components you can afford. However, as others have said, for volume control and other advantages, I am still a proponent of DAC to Preamp to Amp(s) - whether integrated or separate components. |
@audphile1 I am listening to recordings that I know very well, and listen for particular things. I have listened to these DACs I mentioned extensively on a number of different systems. When I refer to resolution, I am referring to aspects of the recording that I hear on my system and hear or don’t hear on others, and vice versa. I have 50 years plus of listening to good stuff and live music, so my ears are well trained. I stand by what I said- the Yggdrasil OG resolves inner detail, soundstage and impact as well as any of those DACs. I agree that what sets the higher Lampizators apart from the Yggy is an upper midrange and high end that lacks the Yggdrasil’s occasionally too sparkly high end and that has a remarkable sense of naturalness. That better upper midrange and high end comes at a cost of 10 times what I paid for the Yggdrasil.
I mentioned those two DACs/DAC series because I think highly of them. If Schiit didn’t exist as a company, I might have the LTA DAC or cheapest Lampizator. They are very natural and organic sounding. The pairing of my Yggdrasil with a Cary ultimate upgraded SLP05 preamp with excellent Raytheon VT231 and CBS/Hytron 5692’s means that my system is less affected by the slight drawbacks of the Yggdrasil as compared with those who have preamps with brighter top ends and hotter sounding speakers. I hope that you understand my comments now better. |
@yyzsantabarbara Many thanks for your links and thoughtS! |
