Preamp - thoughts

[tonapo]

Well, you wrote: I would be using with two sources, Cambridge Audio CD player and a Holo Cyan 2 DAC. Do you feed the DAC from the CXC (source 1) and your PC (source 2) and then connect the DAC to the Pre90?

Yes, my main source, or the one used most regularly is the raspberry pi 4 streamer, with ropieee into the DAC via USB. The second source is the CD player, into the DAC via optical. The DAC then goes into the pre-amp via xlr.

 

[tonapo]

Could the Quad Artera analogue pre-amp work for you?

Thank you, I will look into this!

 

[tonapo]

Alternately, if you are happy with the Topping but merely want an enclosure that better matches your existing components how about gutting the Topping and doing some DIY (or hire it out) and put the guts in a new box or extend the faceplate? Add some VU meters!

Sorry, forgot to reply to this, I am not sure I have the skills!

 

[roog]

Go for a preamp with builtin room EQ. Despite measuring worse the resulting sound quality with room EQ will be better.

I agree, this is a great idea, and one that i follow in so far as I have a digital only system where the PEQ is built into the (RME) DAC, its just that there aren't that many pre amps which include EQ about.

< I am pleased to see that the Eversolo DMP-A8 includes a nice looking graphic PEQ function >

 

[olds1959special]

I was using a Schiit Saga S but decided to go direct from the DAC to power amp, using the volume control of the DAC. The sound is much better now.