Help With Preamp Choices

[jeffkrag]

Yeah, Mac is coming out with new preamps which may in fact include the ESS Sabre dac. Not sure I can wait that long however, lol! The C2300 is certainly in the running, and does have tone controls and HT bypass, my key requirements.

[jeffkrag]

Truthfully, the most intriguing aspect of the CP800 is the stellar asynch USB input. However, as I understand it, the importance of asynch usb was due to fact that this was/is the best way to get music data from a typical pc or laptop, bypassing poor sound cards and eliminating jitter by allowing (via asynchronous format) the receiving dac to re-clock the signal (if it sounds like I really know this stuff, I don't. I'm just regurgitating what I've read). That said, some of the purpose-built music servers I'm considering have fixed this within the server, allowing impressive output via spdif. Also, the world of USB to spdif converters is improving dramatically, so I wouldn't necessarily be stuck if my preamp did not have USB input. Of course, now we are adding more boxes to the equation.

[mbovaird]

Jeff - this is true. The most cost effective music server is a Mac or PC. I use a MacBook Pro with iTunes + Audirvana+ and it works fantastic. Running that into the CP-800 is incredible and very cost effective. In my other system, I run a Mac Mini into my McIntosh MCD1100 USB and use the DAC in the MCD1100 (which is world class IMO). I store ALL my music in iTunes on the Mac Mini. I then access my entire directory (in my main system) on my other system (Family Room) using ITunes Home Sharing. I have set my iTunes on my Mac Mini to automatically rip a CD to AppleLossless as soon as I put the CD in the CD Drive.

If I did not use a Mac Mini, I would likely get a Bryston BDP-2 or a PS Audio PWD Mk2. If DSD is important, then there are a few options like the Auralic Vega DAP.

With my setup, ONLY the music is "moved" from the computer to the CP-800. The CP-800 then works its magic and makes the ripped music (all ripped as Apple Lossless) sound BETTER than the CD itself. THIS was the most surprising thing to me.

I will suggest a VERY VERY good USB cable (just don't tell your non-audiophile friends....they may check you into a facility for help). The Wireworld Platinum USB Cable is outstanding (hint: talk to Ivan aka MasterLu).

My setup is simple. Otherwise, I would be having to add a NAS, a USB to SPDIF, etc.

What "Music Server" are you looking at adding?

Mike

[jeffkrag]

Looking at Sonore, sotm, Beatis (for bluray) and possibly the W4S. Other good ones out there, but trying to keep within 2.5k or less. Want a ripper and storage in same box.

[mbovaird]

have you looked at a CAPS music server? the new 3.0 is very close to being released. Is there any reason why you're not considering a Mac Mini? Add an iPad with the free Apple Remote and you're all set.

[redm]

Originally Posted by jeffkad

Truthfully, the most intriguing aspect of the CP800 is the stellar asynch USB input. However, as I understand it, the importance of asynch usb was due to fact that this was/is the best way to get music data from a typical pc or laptop, bypassing poor sound cards and eliminating jitter by allowing (via asynchronous format) the receiving dac to re-clock the signal (if it sounds like I really know this stuff, I don't. I'm just regurgitating what I've read). That said, some of the purpose-built music servers I'm considering have fixed this within the server, allowing impressive output via spdif. Also, the world of USB to spdif converters is improving dramatically, so I wouldn't necessarily be stuck if my preamp did not have USB input. Of course, now we are adding more boxes to the equation.

SPDIF is going to have it's own jitter issues.

Here's what you have to know about USB and jitter. Were talking very very minute differences. These differences result in what's called ear fatigue, but really it means you subconsciously know something isn't quiet right. Async-USB is important because it means your Mac or PC can send data, without waiting for a response from the DAC. This takes out a big chance for jitter to be introduced. Cable is another place. This will get you pretty large reduction in jitter. The next steps up are master clocks to keep all the devices in sync.

Hope that helps.

[Dom_P]

Originally Posted by redm

If you didn't need the DAC, (which I didn't) I would opt for the C2300, which is what I just purchased over the CP-800. It has impecable references, look around.

Derek, C2300?

[prepress]

Originally Posted by jeffkad

Wow. Not a single vote yet for the Mac. And yet I still waiver, thinking that the c48 is a natural companion to my mc452, and may also be a bit warmer than the CP800. Can anyone confirm this?

Guess I can't go wrong here. Feeling excited and blessed on this Thanksgiving Day. Happy T-Day everyone!

Here's the C48 brochure, if it helps.

[jeffkrag]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

have you looked at a CAPS music server? the new 3.0 is very close to being released. Is there any reason why you're not considering a Mac Mini? Add an iPad with the free Apple Remote and you're all set.

Hey Mike. I haven't looked at the caps in awhile. There was a reason I dismissed it but honestly can't remember why. Maybe I'll take another look. As for mini, I just don't want to set up the software, tweaks, etc. I want a purpose built machine with cd drive, ripping, and storage all in one. Also, the purpose built machines have been stripped of all nonsense, both in hardware and software, and have upgraded components specifically to improve sound.

[prepress]

Also, perhaps, consider the character of the system you have. Mac designed the C48/50 to be natural companions for the MC302/452, calling them "logical companions," so I take that to mean they were designed to work well together. If the components and speakers you have lean to the warm side, tubes may not be the ideal choice. If things run to the neutral or even dry side, tubes might add a bit of sweetness.