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Do Preamps only Need Two Inputs in the New World?

I finally made the move into a high quality DAC - a used Denafrips Venus II 12th.  With that part finally sorted and my digital sources (DMP A6 and SMSL PL200T)  connected to it, I only use one input for my digital stream and one for my turntable.  I do still have a tuner connected but do not use it due to distance from stations.

With a great Phono Stage and a Great DAC is there a need for the added complexity.  Due to the rapid changes, I do not think that an expensive preamp or integrated with a built in DAC is a good idea.

maam522a
sls883
1,058 posts
 

I use one input for my dac, one for my phono preamp, one for my sacd player, and one for home theatre bypass. 

I use the input for my dac 95% of the time. I use it when I stream. 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

a good pre does what a good pre does sonically and functionally -- like any piece of gear you choose yours based on your needs, sonically and functionally 

whether any specific user needs one at all is also entirely case specific

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,468 posts
 

My Audio Research Reference 6SE has four balanced and four single ended. Even my ARC Ref 3 phonostage has two inputs. 

fiesta75
1,535 posts
 

I guess it depends on how many sources you have. For me, no, two source inputs are definitely NOT enough. Just make sure to use gold-plated terminations on the input jacks that are not connected to anything. 

jl35
4,462 posts
 

Like you sort of indicated - it depends...some here have a streamer and nothing else...others have various digital, phono, tuner, tape... I need more than 2 for main system...secondary systems sometimes a single input is enough...used an Odyssey Cyclops Integrated with a CD Player...

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