In that case, it will be $5k well spent. I hope you get a good trade-in deal.
I am in love with my Decware ZTPRE, set up with three balanced inputs. I didn’t think I preferred the DSD with a pre until I got this, now I won’t listen to it directly. . . .
http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZTPRE.html
It’s the preamp that is most invisible that I’ve ever heard. (I’ve not heard the BHK). It adds goodness but nothing else is how I perceive it.
1 Like
I went quite a long time just using the DSD Sr volume control and I was happy; I actually preferred it over an old Cary pre I had. But then I went for a BHK and the difference is worth the money. I actually went back and forth on a rainy day and the BHK is better in every way. Plus you can alter the tone by rolling two tubes.
I also have on long term loan from a friend a Pass Labs XP-20. Oh man, how can solid state sound so good?
(Such problems we have)
Yo, Broderick: as I stated “Paul himself was of this opinion for many years.” I can read too, and read his more recent opinion. He didn’t change that opinion until the BHK came along, and it was one of the best available that it took to change his mind…
As to impedance matching, it may or may not be an issue. The DSD works well with many amps. As I stated, “The answer is, at the least, completely system dependent…”
My pre-owned Jadis DA60 integrated (class A single ended) offered the opportunity to bypass the preamp but always sounded better with pre in use. Moved over to Audio Research last year. Started running direct connecting the DS to the AR ref 75 SE poweramp (XLR balanced), at first hearing SQ wise i was happy. However putting the AR ref 6 pre in the chain took it to a complete other level, no doubt about that.
http://www.10audio.com/wyred-4-sound_stp-se-stage-2.htm
Wyred4Sound STP-SE Stage 2 review. Review completed last month.
The review was part of my purchasing decision.
Thx to everyone for the replies and recs. Looks like I’ve got some homework to do. I do have a trace amount of tuberoller in my blood so that is something I’m considering as I weigh options as well.
Really digging this forum from both an informational and functional perspective compared to another popular audio forum that shall go unnamed.
I have the BHK and DS. Highly recommend but the reason for my post though is; don’t discount the BHK headphone amp in the preamp. Bascom has created a few great ones in his day, and this one comes along for ‘free’.
2 Likes
I bought the DSD Sr last fall when they were on sale.I wanted the preamp but couldn’t swing the cost Then I found a year old Rogue RP5 for 2.5k.
I’m very happy with the Rogue and to be honest I’m not a big fan of small touch screens on these things, I like knobs and buttons that I can see without having to get within a foot of the damn thing.
You are touching on a forbidden topic in these forums. You will be called a troll for expressing your opinion on this front and attacked. I don’t quite understand the problem that some individuals have with the idea that someone could like the DAC directly driving the amp. I know this from my own personal experience. I have to agree with your statement about Paul preferring it for years. His montra the best preamp is no preamp.
2 Likes
The 600 ohm output impedance of the transformers in the DAC matches just as well to 92k ohm impedance of the amp or the 92kohm impedance of the preamp. It isn’t about impedance matching. It is all about the SOUND of the tube and liking the alterations that it makes. I have lived with both.
2 Likes
I totally disagree! I used the DSD for 3 years with no preamp. It sounds much better with the BHK in the loop.
Until he changed his mind!
Sorry, I have not changed my mind. I stated when I got the preamp that I still like the way the DAC sounds driving the amp directly. I also like the SOUND of the preamp and yes it has a sound! It alters the sound for sure. Even the Designer himself says he does not know why the preamp in the system sounds better to him. He doesn’t say it has anything to do with impedance matching. It is simply a matter of taste, just as it is with food.
I haven’t read the whole thread, but have an opinion…I’ve owned lots of really good pre-amps (Sutherland Director - for one) . Heart of a system IMHO. Look at a used Cary SLP-05. Be a little patient, they turn up in really good shape. It has the breath of life most of us want. Turns out you can upgrade later too.
1 Like
I can’t disagree with that!
I meant, Paul, has since, changed his mind.
1 Like
http://www.10audio.com/wyred-4-sound_stp-se-stage-2.htm
https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/wyred5/1.html
Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 $3749.
I have one of these and its an excellent preamp. Two reviews linked. The base model is $2K.
The no-preamp vs. preamp quandary seems to stem from an intellectual assumption that a straight wire with gain (or attenuation) must SOUND better, because less stuff in the chain must equal less distortion. It may in fact BE less distorted, but preamps are designed for the very purpose of making the sound bigger, better and more musical, and presenting a happier load to the amp.
To me it is a bit like arguing that you should not use a microphone preamp or an electric guitar amplifier, because the signal from those devices is in a “purer” state prior to preamplification.
My 2 cents.
2 Likes
Well said… I’d vote for the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium Preamplifier - it’s under 5k and I’d say it’s one of the best preamps available for under 10K.
4 Likes
Don Sachs Model 2 line stage.
2 Likes