killing the analog PreAmp

[GianDi]

I would dislodge preamp from my system, but I would like to keep the analog inputs for vinyl, and try some equipment on the fly.
There are some DACs with decent volume controls and analog inputs. I read about Benchmark DAC3 HGC, NUprime Alita, PSAudio stellar gain dac.
how many others are on the list to compare?
System will be: new dac-pre -> Nad C372 (or better mokoblocks) -> Mg 1.7, and other analog stuff

 

[Mnyb]

Hi there I think you should avoid PS Audio https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s-of-the-ps-audio-stellar-gain-cell-dac.9273/

There are hundreds of DAC’s tested here so browse around. Btw there are phono stages with digital out .

 

[voodooless]

The Benchmark is also tested and reviewed here, so check that once out as well. Another option would be RME ADI-2 Pro. An older review can be found here as well, or look here: http://archimago.blogspot.com/2020/08/preview-rme-adi-2-pro-fs-r-black.html

There are some cheaper audio interfaces out there as well with still very respectable performance, just have a look at the review database.

 

[restorer-john]

I say bring back the preamplifier! Long live the analog preamplifier.

I would argue that with all these low input impedance and low sensitivity power amps on the market, there is more need than ever for a robust line stage with low THD and the ability to swing a lot of voltage.

 

[McFly]

So John, what should be avoided in terms of a DAC with digital volume control being connected directly to a power amp? Is it high DAC output impedance (100ohm ish) to low input impedance amps? (10k ohm)?

 

[restorer-john]

So John, what should be avoided in terms of a DAC with digital volume control being connected directly to a power amp? Is it high DAC output impedance (100ohm ish) to low input impedance amps? (10k ohm)?

Accidents. In my experience, you cannot trust a digital volume control not to forget its setting after being unplugged/turned off for a while and or default to factory (high level) output etc.

Also, with people clamouring for AHB-2s and Hypex amplifiers needing serious drive voltage, DACs are at a disadvantage voltage swing wise in many cases.

A 'real' preamp can swing 10VRMS pretty much without a sweat and some go considerably above that.

The OP also wanted some legacy (I hate that term) additional inputs.

but I would like to keep the analog inputs for vinyl, and try some equipment on the fly.

 

[Mnyb]

Yes the ADI 2 has the requisite drive capacity to run power amps directly and some models have analog inputs , can you play straight trough them or are they for capturing only as the ADI 2 can be used in recordings .

The benchmarks are also basically made to work without preamp .

You just need to know your poweramps sensitivity to make judgments of the usability of the source to drive the power amp directly.

 

[Harmonie]

I say bring back the preamplifier! Long live the analog preamplifier.

I would argue that with all these low input impedance and low sensitivity power amps on the market, there is more need than ever for a robust line stage with low THD and the ability to swing a lot of voltage.

Bonjour @restorer-john

You just convinced me to get the Pre90 to match my D90 (100/200 ohms) with my 0,775V sensitive amp ?

 

[pjug]

I am happy with this one
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ro-ject-pre-box-ds2-dac-pre-amp-review.15414/

 

[GianDi]

@restorer-john C372 final stage has 29 dB voltage gain. I think any level-in voltage up to clipping will be good.
@pjug i'll take a look @ pro-ject, seems what I was looking for, it's also in line with my poor-man audiophile system
do you know any other pre-dac over there?
thanks!!!!!

 

[pjug]

If you aren't replacing the C372, why don't you want to keep using its preamp and just add an inexpensive DAC?

 

[GianDi]

i'm going to replace C372 late in summer, I'm restoring a friend's NC1200 monoblocks.