Hi there. I'm obviously new here. I'm an active poster and participant at AVS, but while they have some excellent forums and owners sections, I was interested in a fresh perspective on this particular subject.
I've been 1-source, all digital for about 6 years now. When DACs started to incorporate volume control, it was all the rage to do away with the Pre and run a DAC w/volume control directly into a power amp. I've done so with my last 3 DACs, having the most success...by far...with my current EE Minimax DAC. However, as good as that sound is…I just upgraded my speakers from Dynaudio Contour S1.4s to Special 25s; and I find the 25s to be much more revealing of components upstream.
As such, I’m thinking there might be some sonic benefits to be gained by going back to a dedicated Pre-amp (which would also allow me to try the new Minimax Plus…which does away with the volume control and Pre-stage). I have an SS power amp, and subscribe to the best-of-both-worlds, tube Pre into SS power amp theory. As the title states, I’m looking to stay under $1500 (plenty under if possible) on the used market.
Here are the contenders so far:
ARC SP16L
C-J PV14LS2
Belles 22A (a hybrid, not all tube)
or something Cary; SLP-50(a/b) or 98 or 308
Any thoughts about a clear winner in this group? Thanks; look forward to the feedback from the forum.
CD
I've been 1-source, all digital for about 6 years now. When DACs started to incorporate volume control, it was all the rage to do away with the Pre and run a DAC w/volume control directly into a power amp. I've done so with my last 3 DACs, having the most success...by far...with my current EE Minimax DAC. However, as good as that sound is…I just upgraded my speakers from Dynaudio Contour S1.4s to Special 25s; and I find the 25s to be much more revealing of components upstream.
As such, I’m thinking there might be some sonic benefits to be gained by going back to a dedicated Pre-amp (which would also allow me to try the new Minimax Plus…which does away with the volume control and Pre-stage). I have an SS power amp, and subscribe to the best-of-both-worlds, tube Pre into SS power amp theory. As the title states, I’m looking to stay under $1500 (plenty under if possible) on the used market.
Here are the contenders so far:
ARC SP16L
C-J PV14LS2
Belles 22A (a hybrid, not all tube)
or something Cary; SLP-50(a/b) or 98 or 308
Any thoughts about a clear winner in this group? Thanks; look forward to the feedback from the forum.
CD