I used to think that way too. I am hoping that the new HD pre-amp will reinforce that idea. I am stunned at how good the Vivaldi (and a MSB unit) is direct to the amps. These last couple of weeks have me considering blowing up my whole set-up and simplifying everything.

New speakers then?

Only contemplating my options. :D

Computer > Pre/DAC > Amplifier > Speakers

(2) power cords plugged directly into wall socket
(1) USB cable
(1) interconnect
(1) set speaker cables

Dropped my pre with my upgrade to the Rossini. While I think there is a place for pre’s to add value (beyond switching), for me, I felt there was a bigger benefit to go with a better DAC and no-pre vs splitting the dollars across 2 components.

And the better the system the better the pre has to be to just “do no harm”

Might not be for everyone, but I recommend giving the configuration a listen.

Back in the 90s I had a Proceed (Mark Levinson's value brand) CDP with a volume control (0.1 DB increments!) that operated in the analog domain. The Proceed and its Mark Levinson big brother, the No. 39 CDP were cutting edge at the time and most reviewers (ref Stereophile's 1997 review of the ML No. 39) felt that their volume controls were the equal of equivalent ML pre-amps. Would like to see more of this in better DACs. The volume control in too many of these (not MSB Ref/Sel and a few others) is an afterthought.

The volume control on the McIntosh D150 is the same quality as the company's other products.

Rumor has it that my \new pre-amp will hit the dealer tomorrow.

Say it with me: C.H.R.O.N.O.S.O...damn that's a lot of letters :smoking:

Jim - Can’t wait to hear your impressions......gotta figure out if I want to go ahead with the upgrade eventually.

- Buck