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CDP or DAC with high end volume control

Hi Guys,

I was wondering what you guys think would be a good choice for CDP or DAC for an all digital setup? I want to run without a dedicated preamp (straight into amp with volume control). I know most people here would say a dedicated preamp would sound best though. What I'm looking for is a CDP or DAC that has a volume control that can "drive" an amp similar to an active preamp. One which has the sound quality to rival a very high quality dedicated preamp.

A couple that I've been looking into are the Vitus RD-100, Aesthetix Pandora/Romulus Signature, and Ayon Stealth or Stratos DAC (or current, Ayon top of the line CDP). Any others? Pros/Cons in terms of sound, especially when connected directly to an amp sans preamp? I have not heard any of these components yet either. I'm looking to build a list of possible components to try out. My price range is probably about 10k used.

Solid state or Tube is OK, as long as the sound is quick, natural, maybe slightly on the warm side of neutral is OK. Holographic 3D soundstage with good layering is important. USB input or DSD support is not that important, but a welcome feature for a modern product. I use mostly redbook.

The rest of my system consists of Berning Quad Z tube amps, and Nola Baby Grand Ref 2 speakers.

I think this is my first post. I'm a long time reader of these forums, and buyer/seller of equipment here. I'm starting to research for a purchase a lot further in the future.

Thanks for all of your help!
manthik
almarg's avatar
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almarg
8,673 posts
 
it's a pity that agon doesn't offer an alert when new answers are posted on threads we participate in.
To the right of the original post in any thread there is a clickable green box labelled "Follow this discussion."  Under that box it says "Get notified when someone responds."  While I haven't used that feature myself I presume it would provide what you are looking for.

Regards,
-- Al
 
reverendo
78 posts
 
@almarg thank you for that one... :D there used to be a feature like this a long time ago, but it never worked. hoping this will. again, thank you very much.
gcp
30 posts
 
For 2 ch., using bel canto's CD-2 and CD3t transports with DAC2.7 and DAC3.7 and Woo Audio's WTP-1 with WDS-1. Those DACS have digital VC. The bel cantos even have an analog input! Own and use them direct into tube and SS and Class D amps that allow for volume settings above 75.  Also VG for DVD/ Bluray HT, use an OPPO 105 (later modded) with its digital VC. While not for me, others praise it's audio chops.      
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 

Manthik, Don’t be surprised if the Linear Tube Audio preamp actually improves the sound quality when mated with the Aqua La Scala and the Vitus, you never know. I look forward to reading about your listening impressions.

Charles

manthik OP
12 posts
 
Hi Charles,

I totally lost track of this thread, and its been a while since I last posted.  I did make a successful switch over from a passive preamp to the LTA MZ2-S with NOS rolled tubes.  Huge difference over the passive.  The sound stage opened up considerably and the music just flows naturally now.  I could go on and on about the MZ2 as a preamp, but I think there are already many other threads to review this preamp/amp's merits.  The synergy is excellent with my Berning Quadrature Z's.

Also, to back track on the La Scala.  I learned through experimentation that the USB input was the way to go.  I now use HQPlayer to feed the DAC (upsampled), and the difference is huge compared to using a transport at 44.1kHz.  No more complaints about the La Scala.  It is a keeper.  No more lacking for detail, rolled off top, or forward sounding.  Everything I said in my post from a while back, I now take back.  This DAC is a totally different animal with USB vs SPDIF.  I sold my transport and have moved to computer based audio now.
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