Will the preamp be worth update?

[Radek]

Hi all. I have DAC Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital which is connect directly to the two Aiyima A07 MAX in mono mode. My question is: is a preamplifier necessary? Sometimes I read that when connected without a preamp the sound is flat and not very dynamic. The point is whether it is worth adding a preamp. My favourites are Schiit SAGA 2 or lamp Schiit VALI 3 (which could be good for class D?). Does anyone have experience with these preamps? I would be happy for any other tips on preamps in this price range.
Thank you

 

[AnalogSteph]

My question is: is a preamplifier necessary?

Nope. You don't seem to be missing any inputs, and the Pre Box S2 Digital has plenty enough output to drive the A07 Max into clipping.

Sometimes I read that when connected without a preamp the sound is flat and not very dynamic.

You can read a lot of nonsense on the ol' interwebs.

My favourites are Schiit SAGA 2 or lamp Schiit VALI 3

The Saga 2 is alright if you need a basic preamp, I guess. I do not fancy putting things into my signal chain that make things worse, so the Vali 3 would be out. Either way, I don't think you can even buy them in the EU though... I have reason to assume that the external linear wall wart power supply would fail active standby power regulations spectacularly.

 

[DVDdoug]

A "preamp" is mostly a "control center" where you select the inputs, adjust the volume & tone controls, etc. Typically, they also have a headphone output. Most of the time they are attenuating rather than amplifying, depending on the volume setting. If it has a phono preamp built-in, that's actually a preamp with gain. Other than gain (if needed), tone controls (and maybe other knobs/switches) a preamp shouldn't have any effect on sound character/quality.

ALL analog electronics degrade the signal to some extent but a preamp shouldn't audibly degrade the signal. Except phono preamps amplify their own internal noise and that can sometimes be audible, especially with headphones.

In the pro world, a preamp is a just microphone preamp, which also a true preamp with gain. There are also guitar preamps but they are not as common as mic preamps.

A receiver is a combination tuner, preamp, and power amp. AVRs add digital inputs and decoders for the various digital formats, a DAC, and more power amplifier channels. Modern receivers also have remote control, which "traditional" preamps didn't.

 

[Radek]

Thank you for your answers. I will not deal with the preamp then. Better solution will be safe money for preamp and buy better DAC in future. I think in price of SAGA 2 (400€) are many better DACs then my Pro-Ject. For example Topping E70 Velvet. Maybe even changing the DAC isn't worth it.

Either way, I don't think you can even buy them in the EU though...

Schiit has official EU dealer and you are able to buy it with EU plug.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
Good decision I think

There is nothing particularly wrong with your DAC, certainly no need to change it until you need new features: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...ct-pre-box-s2-dac-headphone-amp-review.10085/

Read the review carefully - this is a good example where the headline SINAD number is misleading, the DAC is much better than that figure suggests. Also worth noting that another DAC could measure better, but the improvements will not be audible - so no point really.

If you get into headphones then you might consider a change, or a separate HP amp. Similarly if you find you need more/different inputs or outputs.

If you really want to spend money ( ) then what Speakers do you have?

 

[restorer-john]

A "preamp" is mostly a "control center" where you select the inputs, adjust the volume & tone controls, etc. Typically, they also have a headphone output. Most of the time they are attenuating rather than amplifying, depending on the volume setting. If it has a phono preamp built-in, that's actually a preamp with gain. Other than gain (if needed), tone controls (and maybe other knobs/switches) a preamp shouldn't have any effect on sound character/quality.

ALL analog electronics degrade the signal to some extent but a preamp shouldn't audibly degrade the signal. Except phono preamps amplify their own internal noise and that can sometimes be audible, especially with headphones.

This is the most useful reply so far.

In the analogue domain:
A preamplifier is there to interface and bring disparate signal levels, impedances and capabilities up to a level suitable to drive the next stage, most likely a power amplifier.
A preamplifier is the device best suited to contain filters, EQ, signal routing etc.

In the digital domain:
A preamplifier can contain digital signal processing, A/D and D/A conversion, PEQ etc. Essentially, all bets are off and the sky is the limit.

 

[Radek]

Hi,
Good decision I think

There is nothing particularly wrong with your DAC, certainly no need to change it until you need new features: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...ct-pre-box-s2-dac-headphone-amp-review.10085/

Read the review carefully - this is a good example where the headline SINAD number is misleading, the DAC is much better than that figure suggests. Also worth noting that another DAC could measure better, but the improvements will not be audible - so no point really.

If you get into headphones then you might consider a change, or a separate HP amp. Similarly if you find you need more/different inputs or outputs.

If you really want to spend money ( ) then what Speakers do you have?

Hi Jeremy, you are right. This DAC has very good sound I think. Changing the DAC was just one of the ideas. I have DIY floorstanding speakers. I have borrowed Dali Oberon 1 now, which sounds little bit better in my ears, compared to my speakers. So change speakers could be the right way to improve sound. Oberon 3 could be a good choice or something like Wharfedale Evo 4.2? My price rande is about 800€.

 

[OldHvyMec]

I think the term degradation vs enhanced can be substituted if the person playing the music (no matter the source), achieves what they desire.
I can't see how using an EQ, or tone control equals degradation if the results have a more desired result for the listener. No two people have the
same hearing ability. The fact that many people have hearing loss, a strange room to deal with, using an older medium like 78s, RtR, or even early
CDs is degrading the signal, it doesn't fit with what EQ, tone controls, DSP, or even room correction can accomplish.

Personal I've tried simple line linestage preamps and with few exceptions, I get a much better experience and control over things I don't
care for, LIKE bloated BASS, blaring mids, and highs that can boil your ears until they bleed.

I know several people who have limited their listening preference to certain genres because their system sounds like crap. They have no
way to control what was mixed in the studio.

Try going from an old LP of Dean Martin's "Everybody Loves Somebody" to 50 Cent's "In Da Club" and tell me how you managed that?

One size does not fit all by any means.

I do have one line stage preamp (Cary SLP-05) that gets close but I still have to manipulate 300hz and below to make it work and keep a stylus in
the grove. Certain CDs there is no way it will work for me and my ears are OLD. The mids and highs will run you out of the room. I HAVE to go back
and use simple tone controls with a different type of preamp. Flip the switch and go from a Mac C2500 to a Cary SLP-05. I can assure anyone
degradation doesn't come into the picture.

I'm not the exception, I'm more of the norm in the circles I play in. It doesn't matter what type of speaker I use either. From Jensen Imperial D300s,
VMPS RMx Elixirs, Infinity RS IIIBs to Genelec 1238As, you better have a full-blown preamp with a FEW whistles and bells for different types of music.

I was just listening to the CD and LP by Tami Neilson "Kingmaker", you better have tone control.

Regards

 

[NTTY]

Early CDs were often better than those mastered all the way up to compression/clipping.

I don’t get the tone control story per record/master. I get you might not like some masters, in which case you should move on to something else, or try another one.

Else it’s an issue with the speakers in the room and some recordings that exhibit a flaw.