Audio Research DSPre

[stollen]

Does anyone have any experience with the DSPre from ARC? I have been thinking about changing up my system and running a nice preamp and separate power amp compared to the integrated amp and separate DAC I currently have. I would like the preamp to have a built in DAC (guess I might be in the minority on this) so I can keep my system somewhat simple and easily operated for my wife.

As far as I am concerned I am considering the ARC DSPre or McIntosh C2500. I know the differences between the two are huge, but I am interested to hear if anyone has any experience with the DSPre since I haven't been able to find much end user info on it but there is quite a bit of chatter on the C2500. My local dealer carries both ARC and McIntosh, but they don't have a DSPre in stock.

Thanks for any info

[Lunchy]

I heard the DSPre at my dealer with SF Futuras and a Ref 150 amp and it sounded incredible. But that's the only experience I have with it.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[tane0019]

Hi,

I’ve a Audio Research DS-pre and is experiencing some strange happening that need help to find out (or narrow down) exactly what is wrong with my unit.

My stereo is intergraded into my Home Theater setup (ie L/R pre-out from Onkyo AVR 3008). I’ve experienced some problem with the ARC [Processor] input.

There are times when the ARC [Processor] input is unable to work (ie no sound). This phenomenal happened mainly during power-up of the ARC DS-pre in digital inputs (ie[BNC], [RCA] & [TOS]) – after un-mute switch over to [Processor] input.

There were also instances when before switching over to ARC [Processor] input, to switch to one of the analog inputs (ie. [BAL1] or [SE1]) first – seem to work, but not always). The guarantee method to work is to power-down the DSpre in [Processor] input and power-up again.

I had once brought in the ARC DS-pre to the local distributer/agent for repair because I’m not able to get any sound out from any of the digital inputs (that is after 2 continuous days of trying). But strangely at the local distributer/agent workshop, this problem disappeared.

Putting one + one together, I’m worry that something might be wrong with my unit & will come back to haunt me later.


NOTE: I had tried writing to ARC on 20th Dec 2014. Got a acknowledgment reply from Kalvin Dahl (Customer Support Manager) on 4th Jan 2015 promising to look into it. Currently is Mar 2015, I'm still waiting for his reply/update (I did send 2 follow-up email, but seem to be lost in deep space at ARC end).

Is there something wrong with my DS-Pre ?

[Masterlu]

tane0019... Welcome to AA!

[tane0019]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

tane0019... Welcome to AA!

Thanks.

[tane0019]

No taker on my question(s) ?

[FastEddy]

I also own the DSPre. I use it with a Classe CA2200 amp and Sony SCD5400ES CD player. I also sometimes connect a computer via the USB input. I have had no problems with the unit. It is excellent.

I was also considering a McIntosh, the C48, when I got the DSPre. The DSPre sounded a little better.

As for tane0019's question, I don't know. I would suggest contacting Calvin again. I have an ARC Ref40 in my HT setup and have never had any problems with it, but then of course the Ref40 does not have any digital circuitry. Maybe there is a problem with the HDMI handshake with the AVR you are using and the non-HDMI digital inputs of the DSPre.

[tane0019]

Thanks "FastEddy". Till now, no luck at all trying to get hold of any ARC guys.
My emails like going into a black hole - no responses at all :-(

[microstrip]

Perhaps it is not the case, but my ARC REF40 is sensitive to the power transients created by some other high power equipment being powered on after the preamplifier was switched on. I solved the problem powering the power equipment from another power circuit, or simply just switching the power amplifiers on before the preamplifier.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by tane0019

Thanks "FastEddy". Till now, no luck at all trying to get hold of any ARC guys.
My emails like going into a black hole - no responses at all :-(

Do you have a local dealer? I'd have my dealer calling ARC.