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Thread: Digital preamp?
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November 26, 2021, 09:13 PM #1
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Digital preamp?
Does anyone use a digital preamp or recommend one, or better yet; know of a digital music server which includes a digital volume control?
I'm not up on the newest gear and just wondering what's out there.
For many years I have been streaming music from a Logitech Transporter. I'm pretty pleased with it but it's aging and no longer supported-- and I'm wondering what I would replace it with if it should ever crap out.
A feature I really like on the Transporter is that its digital out is volume controlled. Whereas; on all the other/newer servers I know of, the digital out is merely a pass thru (not volume controlled in the unit).
My system is tri-amp'd using a digital crossover. And in lieu of an analog preamp; I use the Transporter's digital volume control-- feeding its digital out directly into the digital in on my DBX Venu 360 DSP/Crossover. With this setup; I end up with a single D/A conversion coming out of the crossover to the amps. Whereas; if I used an analog preamp with the crossover; I would have (2) D/A conversions and (1) A/D conversion in the signal path.
Using the Transporter's volume control comes at a small cost in resolution. That is; the Transporter up-samples the stream to 24bit resolution and with the volume setting at 100% gain; the resolution remains 24bit. But every 6db of attenuation on the volume control consumes one bit of resolution. Even so; the resolution remains very good, even a low listening volume.
So; the choice of using either the analog preamp or the Transporter's volume control boils down to accepting slightly lower bit resolution with the digital volume control versus whatever distortion and loss occurs with (2) additional A/D conversions plus the path thru the analog preamp circuitry.
Finally; my question becomes:
Does anyone know of a digital music server with a volume-controlled digital output (not just a pass thru)?
Thanks,
Charlie
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November 26, 2021, 10:22 PM #2
Re: Digital preamp?
Lumin and Cambridge Audio have volume controls - e.g. Azur 851N - Network Player | Cambridge Audio US
Main System - Lumin U2, Modwright LS36.5 DM Preamp, VTV Purifi 1ET-7040SA with tube buffer, EMM Labs DAC 2X (ver. 2), Torus RM-20, Thiel CS 3.7s, 2 Rel S/812 subs
Back-up 1 - Premium Audio mini Gan Amp, Oppo 103D, 2 Richard Gray cond, Selah SA-2s, Sumiko S5 sub, Teac UD-503 DAC, Carver (modded) C-9
Back-up 2 - Onkyo TX-NR797, Panasonic DP-UB820, Vansevers cond, B&W P6s, PowerSoundAudio S1500 sub
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November 26, 2021, 10:38 PM #3
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Re: Digital preamp?
Yes! Thanks Phil,
I just read up on that streamer and it is indeed a digital preamp :-)
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November 26, 2021, 10:43 PM #4
Re: Digital preamp?
I believe Roon has a digital volume control within its interface. It will require the correct DAC, server, end point or whatever it requires to function. I have a few local audiophiles who use this volume control method.
Marty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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November 26, 2021, 10:45 PM #5
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Re: Digital preamp?
Ask and ye shall receive-- I now have some options.
Thanks Marty!
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November 26, 2021, 11:05 PM #6
Re: Digital preamp?
I may try this myself when I get my final Roon renderer setup.
Better Volume Control - Roon Software - Roon Labs CommunityMarty
Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
MSB Premier
Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
PS Audio Powerplant 15
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January 2, 2022, 08:03 AM #7
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- Dec 2021
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- Washington
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Re: Digital preamp?
I use a MiniDSP SHD Studio as a digital preamp. I gotta say it works very well in my system. I use the Denafrips DDD in front of it to switch digital sources and then it feeds two DACS, one for the amp feeding the Magnepans and one for the powered subs. It gives you: digital preamp (volume control), Dirac room calibration, digital crossover, and time alignment. I am blown away by the sound quality I’m getting and have compared it to the Classe Delta PRE and Parasound JC2 BP. It’s small and doesn’t have much curb appeal, but hey the sound is magnificent. I spent three days doing calibration though. Also, you will go crazy with sooooo many choices. Types of filters, slope, crossover frequency, time alignment, etc. etc. In the end you get four presets to play with.
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January 10, 2022, 06:53 PM #8
Re: Digital preamp?
Take a look at this thread: Lumin, Leedh’ing the way
I've seen some argument that volume processing in a streamer (like Leedh) doesn't constitute a pre-amp to some (maybe everyone who knows what they're talking about), I think because it has no gain nor additional inputs (just paraphrasing, hunt around a bit to see the arguments more knowledgeable folks make). But I think, like me, you're simply looking for a way to control the volume without adding another piece of hardware.
Iirc I had a PS Audio Directstream DAC going straight out to my amp(s) and it sounded plenty good to me, but who knows, maybe a "true" pre-amp would have sounded 1000x better. Shortly I'll be going direct out from the Lumin X1 to the amp so will see again 2x. It seems to be something a good number of people do, so I'm hoping at least one of them is less oblivious than me. Otherwise I'll be looking for an integrated in short order lol.Main System
Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B
Headphones
Home: HiFiMan Susvara > Schiit Lyr+
Portable: Focal Radiance > AQ Dragonfly Cobalt / Chord Hugo 2
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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