I’ll vote for a DAC upgrade before a preamp..
Thought about buying a DAC which can be a preamp too?
Maybe wait a bit and look for a pre-owned Manhattan 2, Berkely, Ayre, etc., depending on tastes and system synergy of course.
I’ve come to the conclusion if or when I’m looking to upgrade anything, I gotta look at what’s up with those used pieces that are inside the proposed budgetary constraints.
The Exogal Comet could be a interesting prospect, thogh I’m unaware of the exact output IMP or the input IMP of your amp. If there is a 10.1 or better ratio there you should be golden.
I’d say lean on the DAC first notion. The bigger boost to fidelity will arrive there. Or, at least it ought to come from a solid DAC upgrade.
Once more, as decent as is your notion of a PL preamp, do check out the used preamps you can get for your current funding. I like the idea of a preamp in the mix, IF it’s a very nice preamp. There is where I’m prone to infuse tubes into the array. This is true especially if the amp is an SS amp. Obviously as well, if there will be more than one source to control having a very nice sounding tube preamp will help or at least influence, all the sources sonics and the overall presentation.
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Go vinyl, it will cure your digi upgrade desire. It did for me. Just a thought. Even entry level turntables have come a long way in terms of SQ. Especially considering what really good digi costs.
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Not looking to make a jump to vinyl. Thanks though. |
Source first. Brooklyn DAC, but only if you already have proper power ring in your home, proper AC management and proper support for the existing gear, IMHO.
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Either one; if your goal is over time to upgrade the entire system both are likely fine upgrades and the overall character of the rig will change again as you add the second upgrade. No one can tell you which would be preferable to your ears as a first move. Likely, you will make the upgrade, then become convinced you have really reached the ultimate. No, not even close. There are endless steps to climb. Trust me on that. :)
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Forgot to put the audio gear is running on a dedicated 20 amp circuit. And I'm using the Furman Elite 20 PFI line conditioner. |
How about Gumby then buy the schiit preamp? for maybe 2k , you have both, you change your mine later, you won’t loose a lot when you sell them... |
I would not upgrade either before improving your sources. For HT, I would get a IFI SPDIF iPurifier to improve the jitter for movies from your Smart TV and Blu-Ray player. This will reduce jitter for Dolby Digital and DTS sound tracks. You will be amazed at how good movies sound with this. Then, for 2-channel, I highly recommend the Synchro-Mesh reclocker and a Reference BNC cable between the Bluesound and your Processor. This will reduce jitter significantly, to 18psec. Both of these upgrades cost significantly less than a new DAC or preamp. Steve N. Empirical Audio |
No offense meant but I would look towards replacing the Emotiva gear, one at a time. |
No offense taken Stereo5. That's on my long term list. It's just hard to beat the price to performance that they offer. I've had my fair share of issues with their gear, though, and will look to move on once the warranty is up. Maybe ATI amps. Possibly Pass Labs. |
I said that because I had their Dac 1 from about 6 years ago. It was extremely bright sounding. |
There are endless steps to climb. : ) +1 @douglas_schroeder |
Preamp makes a much bigger difference than DAC in my experience. |
@limniscate Can you be more specific on what those differences are and how it makes "a much bigger difference?" Thank you. |
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That thing does look interesting. I’ll be sure to look for it at Axpona.
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My limited experience with a Mytek Manhattan indicates an extremely well designed unit with truly great sound. The feature set is excellent to include a well conceived analog volume control. My friend who owns both finds any sonic benefit to the Manhattan 2 to be slight.
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If you’re looking at getting better 2.1 sound, get a used Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated. I have the smaller brothers the Focal 1008be2’s and the Bluesound node 2. And the PM gives me a wonderful presentation. It also has a home theater bypass (so it works as just an amp) and sub out, so you can use it in conjunction with you current setup.
Look for one used, I got mine for 2k.
I also have a Bifrost multibit, and though there is a difference between its output and the analogue out of the Bluesound, it’s not much. I had an Emotiva set up (amps only) and when I went to a tube integrated amp it blew the Emotiva away.
Good luck. |
In my view there`s no point to start the upgrade from the DAC if preamp is a bottleneck. I suggest to start from preamp then amp and lastly DAC. Focals are extremely revealing so they like top quality gear upwards.
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