Preamplifier/volume control

[Linus]

Hi guys.
Need help to find a solution for my living room system. My sources are: MacMini (music), TV/playstation and a turntable. I absolutely need a remote and volume display would be a huge plus. I currently have a Linn 5103 pre/pro that checks all these boxes, but it’s almost 25 years old. A one box solution would be amazing, but I can live with a separate DAC. RME ADI 2 Pro would be super nice, but it’s way out of my budget. Any suggestions? By the way, speakers are Genelec 8030. Currently using DIY rca to xlr cables, but balanced out would be nice.
Thanks for your help.

 

[AudioStudies]

I can live with a separate DAC

Topping D90, it has the balanced out and is cheaper than the RME. Highly reviewed in ASR.

 

[Harmonie]

So many dacs to chose from here + many others that haven't been updated yet, like Gustards, SMSL and else.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Audio_DAC_Performance_Index/


Pick your poison .

 

[Linus]

My ”problem” is to find a preamplifier as I need an analog input for my turntable. The DAC is the easy part

 

[Vini darko]

This Acylic s50 pro gets close to meeting all requirements except balanced connection. Can't think of anything for under a grand that meets all requirements.
It's not SOTA preformance but it's very affordable.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08G56GSC3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_mkhTFbT4PHVHX

 

[Vini darko]

However it can be connected to a balanced dac like the schiit modius via the toslink output and still come in at under £500.

 

[Harmonie]

My ”problem” is to find a preamplifier as I need an analog input for my turntable. The DAC is the easy part

IMHO Why not buy (again ?) a dedicated separate phono stage ?
Dacs improve so much from year to year while the phono stage probably not ...

 

[Linus]

IMHO Why not buy (again ?) a dedicated separate phono stage ?
Dacs improve so much from year to year while the phono stage probably not ...

I already have a phono stage. What I am looking for, is a preamplifier with or without a DAC. Or a DAC with analog in. Lots of DAC, amps and processors review here, but hard to find info about preamps or whatever people use to control volume when they both have analog and digital inputs.

 

[Harmonie]

I already have a phono stage. What I am looking for, is a preamplifier with or without a DAC. Or a DAC with analog in. Lots of DAC, amps and processors review here, but hard to find info about preamps or whatever people use to control volume when they both have analog and digital inputs.

The NAD C658 has all these and is cheaper than the RME ADI-2 Pro. Though some on this site are happy with it, it's precisely ASR that convinced me NOT to chose it ...

How about the D90 & new Pre90 to come ?

 

[Linus]

The NAD C658 has all these and is cheaper than the RME ADI-2 Pro. Though some on this site are happy with it, it's precisely ASR that convinced me NOT to chose it ...

How about the D90 & new Pre90 to come ?

I think I ll wait for the Pre90 to come out and see how it performs. I feel like no one is using preamplifiers anymore beside people with analog inputs. So much easier to go all digital.
Option B is to open a discogs account and get rid of my records, but it looks really time consuming.

 

[Harmonie]

I think I ll wait for the Pre90 to come out and see how it performs. I feel like no one is using preamplifiers anymore beside people with analog inputs. So much easier to go all digital.
Option B is to open a discogs account and get rid of my records, but it looks really time consuming.

Go to this link then

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ping-pre90-ext90-preamplifier-extender.17635/