Ref. 5se or Ref 150?

[enatai252]

My understanding is the Ref DAC uses the same analog volume control as Ref5SE...so I would expect it takes the full signal from the DAC and provides attenuation in the analog domain

[Cellindo]

Originally Posted by enatai252

I have a Ref DAC on order...it is suppose to start shipping end of July...although not holding my breath. I plan to keep a preamp between the Ref DAC and the Ref 250s...but as others mentioned...its because I do still spin vinyl (SME 20/3 and Ref Phono 2SE) and use other sources. I will use the pass through input of my KX-R preamp on the Ref DAC input...and use the volume control of the DAC.

oh....and I wonder if it will run hot...

The volume control of your KX-R is far better implemented that any other DAC's embeded volume control.
Keep and listen with the AYRE in place and you'll see...

[Dafos]

I believe the Ref Dac, which shares so much circuitry with the Ref 5se, will share the 5se's IC based volume control which arc uses in all it's line stages.

[sanji]

Banter-

Sad to hear that you will not be spinning any vinyl. If it were me, I'd keep the REF 5 & buy a REF 2SE to spin vinyl & match the REF 5. Just when you've thought that digital has caught up with analog, you'll see the gap widen again by a significant amount.

[Kingsrule]

Too bad the Ref DAC doesn't have more digital inputs as I really would like one
In this day, more are required for all the digital devices one uses
Maybe the shipping delay is because they are adding more

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

The volume control of your KX-R is far better implemented that any other DAC's embeded volume control.
Keep and listen with the AYRE in place and you'll see...

I love the implementation of the KXR volume control...the mechanical clicks provide comfort that discrete high quality resistors are locking into place. Even in pass through mode, the KXR volume pot is in the signal...it just spins quickly to unity gain position. The Ref DAC volume is not controlled by a digital volume control embedded on the Dac...its the same preamp/volume control config as the Ref5SE...

I can try turning the Ref DAC up to 1-2 O'clock and using Ayre or as I mentioned...its likely better to have the KXR on unity gain...and control with Ref DAC volume pot. Its all done in analog domain.

We let the group know the results....It ships to me next week