With respect IMO this like many components are at their best used with other complimenting, synergistic matching components if one has high resolution speakers. Bottom line is I don't think this DAC or any DAC out there at any price point and at any point of breaking is going to make a hi-end premium preamp obsolete and even not really preferred.
I can tell you with my system with my DACs I have secret weapon that I tried back when I owned my Ayre QB-9 that I now find I can't live w/out and I have tried to get rid of and can't. It just makes any digital SS piece DAC/CDP sound so so so much better. Every time I try get it out of my system and do an A/B comparison it's just too good and I can't remove it and it is not expensive, only about $500.00. I use a Cathode follower after my DAC/CDP that sort of turns my DS into a hybrid Tube DAC. Basically it is like installing a Tube output Stage onto your SS DAC that has a variable Gain trim pot to control volt gain (1v to 5v gain) to tailor to your piece perfectly. Many modders out there will add this exact type tube output stage mod and hardwire it into the CDP directly and set the preferred voltage gain and it is a gigantic upgrade. It can make a mid-fi CDP player sound great. Modders have been using this same type of tube output stage for years. Well what I use is the same thing but it is in its own box which keeps noise floor down, can just be unhooked, has its own tube, power supply, power cord and 1v to 5v gain adjustments. You can turn the volts all the way up to 5v and turn your preamp down to build pressure and change the depth of the center image or adjust bass, etc, etc. I just can't live without it and sorry for long post but if you add one of these to your DS you will see why out of the box for me it sound so great to my ears. This Tube output stage makes a big impact and it is cheap.
I was told to try it back when I was running an Ayre QB-9 and I was blown away by the gigantic SQ increase and been stuck with it ever since. It is made by Decware and called with ZSTAGE. There is also a non gain changing version but the one with gain is way better as I own both. In my system I use i put it about 3/4 up or 3.5v of gain and it hooks in right after my DS DAC between my DAC and my CAT SL-1 Signature MK III preamp. Just thought you guys may like the mod idea that wonders for me. Thanks
I can tell you with my system with my DACs I have secret weapon that I tried back when I owned my Ayre QB-9 that I now find I can't live w/out and I have tried to get rid of and can't. It just makes any digital SS piece DAC/CDP sound so so so much better. Every time I try get it out of my system and do an A/B comparison it's just too good and I can't remove it and it is not expensive, only about $500.00. I use a Cathode follower after my DAC/CDP that sort of turns my DS into a hybrid Tube DAC. Basically it is like installing a Tube output Stage onto your SS DAC that has a variable Gain trim pot to control volt gain (1v to 5v gain) to tailor to your piece perfectly. Many modders out there will add this exact type tube output stage mod and hardwire it into the CDP directly and set the preferred voltage gain and it is a gigantic upgrade. It can make a mid-fi CDP player sound great. Modders have been using this same type of tube output stage for years. Well what I use is the same thing but it is in its own box which keeps noise floor down, can just be unhooked, has its own tube, power supply, power cord and 1v to 5v gain adjustments. You can turn the volts all the way up to 5v and turn your preamp down to build pressure and change the depth of the center image or adjust bass, etc, etc. I just can't live without it and sorry for long post but if you add one of these to your DS you will see why out of the box for me it sound so great to my ears. This Tube output stage makes a big impact and it is cheap.
I was told to try it back when I was running an Ayre QB-9 and I was blown away by the gigantic SQ increase and been stuck with it ever since. It is made by Decware and called with ZSTAGE. There is also a non gain changing version but the one with gain is way better as I own both. In my system I use i put it about 3/4 up or 3.5v of gain and it hooks in right after my DS DAC between my DAC and my CAT SL-1 Signature MK III preamp. Just thought you guys may like the mod idea that wonders for me. Thanks