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Post by audiosyndrome on Jun 19, 2019 19:01:13 GMT -5
What's your current preamp? BY XPS2 do you mean an XPA-2 or an XPS-1 (stereo preamp) or an XSP-1 (phono preamp)? The best standalone preamp I've heard is the Audio GD HE-1. However, it doesn't have tone controls. I'm not sure if it has a phono stage or a line level output (though it does have a single ended variable volume RCA output). It's not a 100% transparent (I've not encoutnered any standalone units that are) but it sounds great for stereo sound. For the features you are looking for an XSP-1 would probably be nice. Gar- never heard of Audio GD but thanks for mentioning them. Terrific looking equipment at their website. Oh no; here I go again. Russ
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Post by audiobill on Jun 19, 2019 19:09:45 GMT -5
But (ugh) shoving delicate electrons through broken glass (silicon transistors) instead of floating them through a vacuum. And the insult of digital hash through a switching power supply all to save cost.
Just T’aint right.
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Post by brubacca on Jun 19, 2019 20:00:47 GMT -5
Personally I'd buy a Schiit Freya+ or Freya S without hesitation. The changes from Freya (1) are significanf in Freya+. If I were in the mood for SS, I'd go Freya S.
I haven't heard them, but based on how much I like my Gumby DAC its a natural pairing.
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Post by geeqner on Jun 20, 2019 8:54:34 GMT -5
Russ - you may be right!
When it comes to spending over a Grand on a hobby item, I am one of those people who "drives himself semi-nutz" debating and evaluating before making the final decision. I also sort of ENJOY the research that I do BEFORE plunking-down a significant chunk of change on something like this. I guess that for me - sometimes "the Journey is part of the Reward"...
I DID state that the XSP-1 IS STILL my current Front-Runner
RE "TUBEY": I also realize that a few of my choices ARE "Tubey" - It seems that MOST of the stuff that "REAL High-End" reviews and some thoughts by other forum members whose advice I trust "gush over" seem to lean towards tube pre-amps. Most of those units are out of my price range - but it seems like at least two (Freya Plus and VTS) MAY be "worth a listen" (if I can manage to audition one) I know that tubes are OLD-Tech, but if "Done RIGHT" - they can still hold their own against solid-state designs and I also expect that I might see some good "synergy" when matched-up with a tight, well-controlled Solid State Power Amp like my XSP-2.
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Post by audiosyndrome on Jun 20, 2019 13:38:18 GMT -5
I have nothing against tube preamps but your first priority is “dead silence”. That would be a tough one for a tube pre in your price range.
Russ
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