Need Help Rebuilding My System

[Torec]

So, I want to do a semi-upgrade to my system. I think I want to replace my Peachtree iDecco, which I use as a preamp and DAC with a separate preamp and DAC.

My reasoning is that DAC technology is changing very fast and even though over time I may need to switch out DACs to "keep up" I will have a high quality preamp as a constant element in my system.

I would appreciate any opinions on this. Not sure if my thinking is faulty or if I'm missing something.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Matt

 

[Jack]

What sort of budget are we working with total for both pieces and is DSD important to you at all.

 

[Torec]

Hi Jack

Budget is probably $2500 max. I don't think DSD is important to me yet.

Matt

 

[Torec]

I'd be willing to invest into a real high end preamp if that is the best long term move for my system.

 

[Jack]

Matt

Are you willing to buy used or are looking to buy new? For a preamp if you don't have a preference I would look for a used W4S STP-SE or you could buy new. In the meantime you can start with a DAC that has an excellent preamp section while you decide on a full function preamp if you want one. The Nuprime DAC-10 has an excellent preamp section I own and use one as such in the Family Room system. It's cheaper sibling using a chip from AKM is also supposed to very good, but I haven't had a chance to listen to one yet. The Gustard DAC from China is also reputed to have a very good preamp stage though I am not familiar with what analog inputs it has if you need them. Both of them and several others at a higher price do both well. Even if you bought new the STP-SE and lower priced Nuprime DAC-9 would only put you a couple of hundred over if you payed full retail which isn't necessary. If you could find a dealer that has access to both you should be able to get a package deal for less. I know one that may have access to both.

 

[Paul]

What's the rest of system ?


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[Torec]

Jack and Paul

My main uncertainty is whether to have a separate preamp and DAC versus a combined component. I'm leaning to buying a really good preamp that I can keep in the longer term. This would allow me to change-out DACs as the technology rapidly changes without having to change the preamp also. I'm definitely open to buying used.

My system:

Peachtree iDecco (as DAC and Preamp only); Paradigm Reference Active/40 Speakers; Harmonic Technology Truth Link Interconnect (unbalanced); Vandersteen V2W Subwoofer; Velodyne SMS-1 Bass Management; Lenovo T410 Laptop Server (Win7 Pro, Samsung SSD, 8gb RAM, JRiver 21); Halide USB/SPDIF Bridge


Matt

 

[Jack]

Matt

I agree with the philosophy of buying the two parts, but if with the DAC you can get both it gives you the flexibility to try it both ways and to have a backup in case of the Preamp failing. To me the STP-SE is kind of like the Swiss Army knife of preamps. Great sound, flexibility and inputs and it works with anything. There used to be a several used ones for sale all the time, but that seems to have dried up. I keep mine in reserve and swap it in and out of the main system several times a year. My tubed Modwright is not "better" just different.

 

[Torec]

So that's Wyred For Sound, Model STP-SE?

 

[Jack]

That's it. Dead silent. It takes on the character of the other parts of the chain.

 

[Anatta]

Try a Benchmark DAC2 HGC DAC/pre (30 day trial from Benchmark direct); the pre section is very transparent so it will keep up with new DACs added.

 

[bzr]

If you want the best you can achieve, dedicated components cannot be beaten as they are just that & not trying to do everything well & not achieving better in one area. Anybody that has lived with excellent components know just how important this can be. To me the preamp is the most important component

 

[Paul]

I would spend most of your budget for the tube based pre amp and spend little on DAC.

Here is the preamp for example

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649246047-cary-slp98l-tube-preamplifier/

With Canadian peso this will be 40 % less on USD.

And here is the DAC

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649255411-teac-ud501-dac/

Both will be $3500 CAD all together but when you convert its only 2,380 USD.

My 2 cents .


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[Kuoppis]

So, I want to do a semi-upgrade to my system. I think I want to replace my Peachtree iDecco, which I use as a preamp and DAC with a separate preamp and DAC.

My reasoning is that DAC technology is changing very fast and even though over time I may need to switch out DACs to "keep up" I will have a high quality preamp as a constant element in my system.

I would appreciate any opinions on this. Not sure if my thinking is faulty or if I'm missing something.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Matt

I just bought an Ayre Codex as a DAC for my Summerhouse and it is just phenomenal for the money. It uses the same Diamond amp topology as their $40.000 top-of-the-line KX-R Twenty (Stereophile Recommended Component).

And, it is 1) a very good DAC, 2) a very good preamp, 3) a very good headphone amp (also balanced). It will set you back about $2000,- but it's worth every penny.

Ayre are stating themselves that they do get the feedback from their customers that the Codex DAC is better than their acclaimed current top model QB-9 DSD.


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