I used to be passive on the (analog) front end, but the amp I use needs a bit more drive, and I found that ol' Yamaha at the dump -- win-win.I almost wish I needed one. When I was a kid I admired all the cool connections and knobs etc. But when it came time to build a system all I needed was an XLR switch box
DACs with volume control and high dynamic range are perfectly paired with power amplifiers.Is pre-AMP still useful in the digital age?
Not at all.Is pre-AMP still useful in the digital age?
As long as they have a volume control -- and you trust it.Not at all.
I discovered it by accident.
It was useful at first to switch sources.
Not anymore.
Even the cheapest power amplifiers, see Topping PA-5, has a switch to select input 1- input 2.
Absolutely, take a look at the RME ADI- 2/4 Pro. They call it a "converter" and others may call it a DAC but it is actually a fully featured pre-amp reimagined for the digital age yet also works with turntables.Is pre-AMP still useful in the digital age?