Emotiva could make the 2.1 Desktop Preamp we need

[PC Audio Lover]

If Emotiva made something like the PT2 Pre-amp for desktop users at a lower price, I think it would be well received.

• Remove the phono input.
• Remove the HT bypass.
• Could even remove an analog input or two.
• Keep the variable low-pass and high-pass bass management. (This is what products are missing.)
• All in a smaller form factor (in their case, maybe to match their A2M Flex Amp.)

Something like this is a much needed product for 2.1 PC/Desktop/Nearfield audio fans that want to run a nice DAC and still have easy bass management that includes a high-pass filter (since so many subs don't have that.)

(Could even remove all the DAC inputs from such a device since many want to choose their own DAC, but I imagine they would want to keep those in there vs turning it into a pure preamp to make it more broadly appealing. Along those same lines, an integrated amp option like the TA2 in this same form factor might be very marketable too, but I care less about that and personally would want my DAC and AMP separate. My dream would be everything above + removal of the DAC and digital inputs... a pure mini desktop 2.1 pre-amp with variable analog bass management! But that seems less likely.)

 

[Brian Hall]

There is not much need for standalone preamps with options like the Wiim Ultra available. It works great as a desktop preamp in addition to being a great streamer, dac and headphone amp. It also has a sub out with bass management.

What advantage would there be for what you are describing? I don't see any use for something like that unless you need more analog inputs.

 

[anotherhobby]

I'd rather have the miniDSP Flex that does all of the things you want plus DSP, config presets, and more. Also, the Flex has 4 outputs, so it does 2.2, which is superior to 2.1. It can also be had with balanced connections for those of us that have balanced devices. Perhaps the Flex is actually the device you are looking for since it already exists.

 

[PC Audio Lover]

There is not much need for standalone preamps with options like the Wiim Ultra available. It works great as a desktop preamp in addition to being a great streamer, dac and headphone amp. It also has a sub out with bass management.

What advantage would there be for what you are describing? I don't see any use for something like that unless you need more analog inputs.

Your argument feels embedded in your suggested alternative, but I'm guessing you can probably still guess as to the advantages one might state...

People want the streamer they want (including wanting to use their PC, which they play other audio out of other than music.)

People also want the DAC they want.

Yet they still want to be able to do bass management for a 2.1 system. (Currently I'm doing it via a Sound Card which works well enough, but would like to change to an external DAC.)

Look... if all DACs did bass management via DSP with a sub out, then I agree: no real need for preamps. Just get the DAC you want and you're covered. But unfortunately that's not the world we live in at the moment.

Not everyone wants a MiniDSP as their DAC, or a Wiim Ultra.

If you want... say... a Gustard R26... or a Geshelli w/ Burson v7 Vivids... well then you've got to figure something out.

(That being said, I'd prefer not to get into a discussion about whether any particular DAC is worth it over another. Let's just agree consumer choice is a good thing. )

 

[PC Audio Lover]

I'd rather have the miniDSP Flex that does all of the things you want plus DSP, config presets, and more. Also, the Flex has 4 outputs, so it does 2.2, which is superior to 2.1. It can also be had with balanced connections for those of us that have balanced devices. Perhaps the Flex is actually the device you are looking for since it already exists.

Am aware of the Flex and it does indeed rock and provides a lot of what many are looking for! (The 2.2 in particular is awesome.) Perhaps it is currently the closest solution to what I'd like to see. But personally I would prefer another DAC, so the advantages of analog bass management means it's not being reconverted and you have that choice. Many do EQ via PC software.