I lived in Chicago for three decades and still love its architecture, particularly that of architect Mies van der Rohe. His work is known for “less is more”. I’m running an experiment that applies the concept to audio and would love to know who, if anyone, has attempted the same.
Preamps help to select among sources and increase phono levels. Some say it improves system SQ, although I’ve never understood how or why a source with enough sound level would benefit from additional electronics in the signal path.
I mostly stream, either ripped CD files or from Qobuz, from desktop through my DSD DAC directly onto the BHK 250 and out to the Focals 1038s. Analog was secondary in my mind while building up my digital rig. I want to again listen to my wonderful collection of RCA Living Stereo and Mercury Living Presence recordings, among others, and was faced with how to pull it off.
I have a Sonic Euphoria passive amp that I could press into service, but I would have to go single ended to the BHK amp. Instead, I thought about digitizing the signal from my Technics 1210GR (Lyra Delos cartridge)/Project Tube Box DS2 Phono Preamp and sending the coax digital signal directly to the DSD DAC.
Even though I felt the move perhaps an abomination I like to experiment. I also don’t have the cash to spend on a PSA preamp at this point and would prefer to keep the digital signal path simple (PC->DSD DAC->BHK250).
To my surprise, my reference recordings sound amazingly good. The $20 tiny little bitty analog to digital converter from Amazon yields CD quality and now I can use the DSD DAC as a digital preamp. Has anyone attempted this perhaps mortal sin in the audio world?
The DSD DAC has a reputation for making just about any source sound good. Although I have not done truly critical listening, through my system and my ears the digitized analog sounds just as musical as the pure digital sources using the exact same performances for comparison.
I’ve ordered a new Stellar Phono Preamplifier and can’t wait to see how the SQ changes when it replaces the Project Phono preamp unit. Is there anyone foolish or daring enough to have attempted something similar?