2. amps-preamps
  3. 1377193478

Preamp for Bel Canto DAC3.5

I currently have a Bel Canto DAC3.5VB MKII running direct into a Pass Labs XA30.5 and have been toying with the idea of putting a tube preamp between the two. I do like the sound of my current setup but have considered that adding some tubes may liven up the sound a bit.

I was wondering if anyone had experience any similar systems and would like to share their feedback.

And, this may be an absurd question, but is there a way I can add the tube sound without the inclusion of volume control or input selection? My DAC already covers these functions so, in an ideal world, I would just "tube" the signal. Is that crazy?

(If somebody goes on to build the "Tube It" and gets crazy rich, you- at the very least- owe me a free unit...)
a2x024
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
With my old Bel Canto DAC3.5VB, I found that adding the Pre3 added a sense of space and depth to the soundstage.

But when I upgraded to the VB MkII, I thought the Pre3 seemed to detract a bit from the increased detail.

I have used the VB MkII with an Audio Research Ref5 and 5SE. I think there is still a bit of loss in detail (smaller than the Pre3) but the improvement in soundstage and depth was well worth the tiny trade off.
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