Direct or preamp - what do you do?

[audiohippo]

What's everyone's experience with using the DSD direct to their amplifier compared to via a preamp? XLR or RCA? Which amplifier and preamp?

[4N6]

I found the sound to be better with the preamp in the chain. Everything hooked up with Cardas Clear XLR.

[doggiehowser]

Depends on the preamp.

I have found that the DS volume control is DAMN good and I use it direct to power amps in most cases. But I do love how it sounds with the Audio Research Ref5SE in the chain

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

Depends on the preamp. I have found that the DS volume control is DAMN good and I use it direct to power amps in most cases. But I do love how it sounds with the Audio Research Ref5SE in the chain

I could see way, the REF5 is a super nice unit.

[audiohippo]

I've just done some A/B testing, found even with the DSD volume set to 106 it still was not as loud as the McIntosh C220 on 85.

It sounded good though, but just didn't have the force compared to going via a preamp.

[Vhiner]

While the DS volume control is the best I've ever encountered, nothing beats a good tube preamp in my experience. I've tried several and I prefer them over direct. Even Paul McGowan concedes his Aesthetix preamp is best when compared to direct....and that's after years of claiming no preamp was best. There's something about a well-designed tube preamp IMHO. I have not tried the DS direct to a BHK, though. I use a Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Black Path Edition preamp into a Conrad Johnson SA350.

[doggiehowser]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

I've just done some A/B testing, found even with the DSD volume set to 106 it still was not as loud as the McIntosh C220 on 85. It sounded good though, but just didn't have the force compared to going via a preamp.

If your DS Volume level is reading 106, it means you've engaged the filter on which attenuates the output.

Use the filter button on the remote to toggle the output levels.

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

If your DS Volume level is reading 106, it means you've engaged the filter on which attenuates the output. Use the filter button on the remote to toggle the output levels.

Oh! You are absolutely correct, completely different. Must have hit it accidentally, thanks for the tip.

[audiohippo]

Now that I have received my WireWorld Gold XLR Interconnects, I've started doing some A/B testing and for the moment I am actually finding the Directstream DAC Direct to the MC501s has an additional level of clarity/separation and openness.

The background also sounds blacker. Going to run through a few albums with it Direct then switch back. PS Audio has done a great job with the volume controls!

[chessman]

My system is definitely better with the tube preamp in the signal path.