I currently have a tube preamp that i am looking to replace with s/s. Connected to the existing pre in my system are an oppo 105 (5% use), phono (10% use) and rendu/NAS streaming flac and dsf to a chord qutest dac (85% use). Through some great feedback and ideas posted on this forum, i found and researched the RME ADI-2 Pro FS all black (has to be black) and thought it could serve as a preamp since it has both digital and analog (1) inputs (assuming i could use my phono preamp output in the RME analog input). Since I would no longer need the qutest, I could use the sale of it and my preamp to fund the RME purchase. It appears as if the change in dac would be lateral spec-wise but the increased functionality of the RME DSP becomes a compelling argument for the switch.
The only problem i see perceive with this solution is playing of my dsf files which constitutes the largest portion of my listening. Apparently within the RME, if i don't want the files converted to pcm and instead played dsd direct, i lose not only the analyzer/tone controls but most importantly the ability to control volume levels. If that is the case, i would need another preamp in between the RME and amps to control the volume. There are a few reasonable cost effective ideas (schiit freya ) to do that. But i have just added another $700 to the cost of the replacement. Of course, some will say dont play your damn dsd files as they are no better than cds (and playing cds you dont lose the volume or tone controls) but that is not an option as have a pretty large number of them (~300). For those RME experts, am i missing something wrt the loss of tone and volume controls with dsd direct playback? are there ways around it (conversion or over to dop?)
Another option would be to buy the mcintosh c53 which would be a HUGE wallet lightener but do everything i want in one unit. Oh, did i mention the blue vu meters and built in 8 band tone control on front of unit? Not sure i want to spend that much but i may be able to get one a bit less than list ($8k)
A final option would be to find a good analog line preamp (benchmark la-4 for example) and keep the current qutest / rendu/nas solution. But with this i lose the dsp and tone control functionality the RME brings.
What else?
Ok everyone, light up the response board would ya please!
The only problem i see perceive with this solution is playing of my dsf files which constitutes the largest portion of my listening. Apparently within the RME, if i don't want the files converted to pcm and instead played dsd direct, i lose not only the analyzer/tone controls but most importantly the ability to control volume levels. If that is the case, i would need another preamp in between the RME and amps to control the volume. There are a few reasonable cost effective ideas (schiit freya ) to do that. But i have just added another $700 to the cost of the replacement. Of course, some will say dont play your damn dsd files as they are no better than cds (and playing cds you dont lose the volume or tone controls) but that is not an option as have a pretty large number of them (~300). For those RME experts, am i missing something wrt the loss of tone and volume controls with dsd direct playback? are there ways around it (conversion or over to dop?)
Another option would be to buy the mcintosh c53 which would be a HUGE wallet lightener but do everything i want in one unit. Oh, did i mention the blue vu meters and built in 8 band tone control on front of unit? Not sure i want to spend that much but i may be able to get one a bit less than list ($8k)
A final option would be to find a good analog line preamp (benchmark la-4 for example) and keep the current qutest / rendu/nas solution. But with this i lose the dsp and tone control functionality the RME brings.
What else?
Ok everyone, light up the response board would ya please!
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