I thought I had it perfect with the PWD DAC direct to amp. But then came a top class preamp.
Now I’m back to loving preamps 
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Interesting, I always thought it odd to convert vinyl to digtal then back to analogue again but the NWPC & PWD DAC did a pretty good job of it.
However I did not have the preamp in the chain at time like you have done.
Also my difference is I’m converting to PCM as the earlier PWD DAC doesn’t take native DSD.
This combined with the overall superiority of the DSD DAC compared to the PWD DAC may make a big difference. I’d urge you to give the Stellar a go in full analogue mode, there may be gains to be had, maybe.
Oh I am sure that the Stellar would be an improvement. I’m just years away from considering a change in phono preamp, and I know I would also need a better cable for one, and . . .my audio component budget has disappeared for quite some time. I only play LPs about 5 percent of the time so I would take the new PS Audio transport over a new phono preamp. . . and even that is a few years away realistically at best.
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Well the budget is budget and I can advise the difference between the NWPC & Stellar isn’t life changing :).
Lonson, if you’re a Jazz fan you may love Coleman Hawkins - Desafinado. It’s a fantastic recording for the time and the music itself it equally good. Wait for the brass in the left channel to come in after the guitar @ 3.45 on the first track. The room reverb and space is truly something else.
The streamed version on Tidal is very good. (although CD & LP version is on it’s way to me in the mail )
Cheers mate.
Hi @brookalypse
There’s a wonderful dedicated jazz thread if you like. @lonson is a major contributor.
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I have Desafinado. . . there’s a majesty in this late period Coleman Hawkins, he was truly a master spanning much of the early history of recorded jazz. Lately I’ve revisited his late forties recordings where he was supporting some of the early bebop players with jobs and exploring the new format. Interesting music as a result, not quite whole-hearted bebop but more than conventional swing music. He was willing to explore and move out of a comfort zone.
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If you are years away for 5% play try a Parks Puffin. It will make any cartridge sing.
I’m perfectly happy with my NWPC! I’m actually perfectly happy with my whole system, especially my pre- and amplification components, I feel I can have these the rest of my life. My one big want is the PWT because so many are raving about it, I really do like my DMP but I’ll save a few years and see if I can’t add. a PWT.
I put Critical Mass System CenterStage2 1" footers under my DSD and got a significant sound improvement. As well, I go directly from the DSD through Iconoclast OCC RCA wires to a SMc Audio Upgrade 20+ amplifier.