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Post by jdubs on Aug 17, 2015 10:57:51 GMT -5
What are the disadvantages of using a pre/pro as a stereo preamp? They usually have better bass management than a preamp. What about using the on board DAC?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 17, 2015 11:36:29 GMT -5
I'd say it depends on your sources. If they're primarily digital then a processor with a good DAC (like the XMC-1) would make a great preamp. However if your primary sources are analog - either a turntable, or say a CD or media player with an external DAC - then you'd have to redigitize the signal to take advantage of the bass management or tone trims. An all analog preamp like the XSP-1 might be preferred in that case.
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Post by jdubs on Aug 17, 2015 12:00:03 GMT -5
That makes sense!!
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Post by garbulky on Aug 17, 2015 14:30:37 GMT -5
I've heard the XMC-1 but not enough to make an informed decision. In general the DAC/preamp combo's that I've heard don't do great as a good volume control. Lacking a certain amount of body, a coherence of the soundstage and not very good scaling of the volume from soft to loud. An XSP-1 on the other hand does these things well.
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Post by jdubs on Aug 18, 2015 9:00:58 GMT -5
Ordered an XSP-1. All my sources are digital, but the balanced design and better volume control, as mentioned, won out. I'll continue to use my XDA-2 as my DAC for now but now I want to upgrade!
I'm doing this because I have an old REL sub connected at speaker level and running my Dalis full range. It sounds amazing, but a dual sealed setup with bass management would sound amazing-er! Hope to upgrade the subs this winter.
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