Streamer/preamp question

Thanks. That’s basically what I’m doing. I’ve switched to the Cambridge as preamp and have listened for a couple of days already and will continue in this configuration for a week or so.  I have a trusted list of tracks that I’ve used over the years, and when I switch back it should confirm what I think I’m hearing or surprise me.

So what I am hearing no is the whole preamp section of the Cambridge, and when I switch back to bypass mode I’m cutting out that whole preamp, and only hearing the DAC and its associated analog stages?

Don't automatically assume the DAC / preamp section inside Atoll IN300 is better.  You need to audition it and make judgement yourself.  According to Tarun,

Compared to Hegel 190, "The Atoll does not extract quite as much information from the recording.  The bass is a bit softer, as the midrange transients.  The top end is a touch more rolled off.  But IN300 has greater bass weight and richer midrange, and it gives it bolder, fuller presentation."  

On the other hand, this TAS review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwD55dx4VI0) gives high praise to the EXN100 DAC/preamp’s sound quality compared to the digital board output stage of the EXA100 integrated amplifier.

Sometimes, biased expectations toward specific brands can lead people to believe things that aren’t accurate and to spread misinformation.  Trust your ears but if you were not competent, trust the professional reviewers who have actually heard the gears rather from some ad-hoc opinions.

If you tried both and prefer the volume control/preamp in your integrated, than that's all you need to do. 

It's going to vary from component to component. 

@tomaswv I think you can solve your problem for about $40.

Rose 150b has USB inputs and you can get a USB CD drive from Staples (e.g.), https://www.staples.com/lg-gp60nb50-external-ultra-slim-portable-dvdrw-black-retail-pack-gp60nb50/product_IM15PP868  

There are even cheaper options from Walmart for about $20 - google "walmart external cd drive".

Look carefully at your Rose documentation but googling "can I attach a USB cd drive to a Rose 150b" suggests it can be done.  Pictures of the Rose unit show a "Play CD" icon on the front.  No guarantees of SQ but it is a ridiculously cheap and simple test.  The Rose will be buffering and reclocking the async data from the drive so SQ probably matches streaming.

I use that a drive like that for ripping CDs using my Eversolo T8 and it can also play CDs.

Lanx0003, I agree about biased expectations. I’m very happy with my Atoll IN 300 (Evolution model) because of the rich midrange and precise imaging and overall weight. These are individual preferences— my hearing doesn’t go much above 13,000 hz so that contributes to my preferences as well.  I do have a son in law with golden ears and often use him to test my reactions.  Clearly he hears things I don’t but I am generally “directionally correct” in my observations.  I’m a big fan of Tarun too, by the way. I’d love for him to review the IN 300 Evolution as a follow up to his earlier review of the IN 300.  Thanks for your comments.