Pass X1 preamp

[frenchmon]

Well I hope it all works out for you...I know in the long run it will.

[blackraven]

Frenchmon, I finally rolled all 12 pairs of my 6CG7 tubes and the last pair sounds the best (go figure). It gives me more of what I am looking for, a little warmth, fuller midrange with more texture and a little bit of tube sound without sacrificing detail and transparency. Its not perfect but I like it a lot better now. I can live with it till I decide to get a CJ ET-3se preamp or BAT.

I am considering upgrading my DAC to a DSD DAC or just going with a Marantz 11S3 SACD player. If I had the cash now I would buy a used Marantz 7s1 or S2 SACDP. There are 3 of them on audiogon right now for reasonable prices. I have also considered getting a Modright modified Oppo 105 with the tube and power supply mod but I think I would be better off with Marantz. This may be the preferable way to go as the X1 could use a better source than my current DAC which does not do hi rez music. And lately after hearing a friends system I have been considering getting a dedicated computer for audio and using J River Software along with a DSD DAC.

[frenchmon]

Glad to hear that BR....I really need to get into digi music with a computer as well.

[harley .guy07]

I set up a music server a few months ago and love it, i got a killer deal on a dell desktop pc and use it or a dedicated music and media server. I run it usb to my PS Audio Nuwave and it is the best my system has sounded after i installed fidelizer on the pc

[Feanor]

I am considering upgrading my DAC to a DSD DAC or just going with a Marantz 11S3 SACD player. If I had the cash now I would buy a used Marantz 7s1 or S2 SACDP. There are 3 of them on audiogon right now for reasonable prices. I have also considered getting a Modright modified Oppo 105 with the tube and power supply mod but I think I would be better off with Marantz. This may be the preferable way to go as the X1 could use a better source than my current DAC which does not do hi rez music. And lately after hearing a friends system I have been considering getting a dedicated computer for audio and using J River Software along with a DSD DAC.

I'd like to try a DSD DAC as well. Actually my two last acquisitions before the Pass amp were the Schiit Bifrost Uber DAC and the ARC LS9 premp; they were both very significant improvements to my system. However if I were now back before either of these I think I might well look for a DAC with preamp functions and also DSD capability.

I think there a two or three that might do this. One is the Benchmark DAC2 HGC which even has a couple of analog inputs, plus balanced outputs and remote control, see HERE.

[blackraven]

I would love to have one of these lampizator DAC's. Unfortunately the level 2 which was affordable is no longer available.

Welcome

[Feanor]

I would love to have one of these lamizator DAC's. Unfortunately the level 2 which was affordable is no longer available.

Welcome

... well, looks like you can buy it in DIY kit form, (here).

[Mr Peabody]

The Cambridge DAC, I believe it's the 851, has variable output with remote, the sound is different than past players, quite neutral, a bit too crisp for my taste, but again system synergy and personal taste.....

For a preamp/DAC combo Bel Canto would be on my list to be sure. Several Esoteric DAC's have variable outputs w/remote. Seeing this as a trend the options should be plenty.

[Feanor]

The Cambridge DAC, I believe it's the 851, has variable output with remote, the sound is different than past players, quite neutral, a bit too crisp for my taste, but again system synergy and personal taste.....

For a preamp/DAC combo Bel Canto would be on my list to be sure. Several Esoteric DAC's have variable outputs w/remote. Seeing this as a trend the options should be plenty.

I would consider a DAC with built-in preamp to economize (since I could sell my current preamp), and also eliminate a component in the repro chain.

Another DAC that meets the description is the NAD M51. It received a very good review in Stereophile, (here). I doesn't do DSD however. I'd have to looked for a used one of course.

No rush, though: my Schiit Bifrost Uber punches 'way above its weight, especially for transparency & air, and I'm please with the clarity and dynamics of my ARC LS9.

[blackraven]

... well, looks like you can buy it in DIY kit form, (here).

I may consider the kit if I can get some one to build it for a reasonable price. I have a radio guy here that might do it.

I am not looking for a Pre/DAC combo. I would like a new DAC and/or a high end SACD player.

[Feanor]

I may consider the kit if I can get some one to build it for a reasonable price. I have a radio guy here that might do it.

I am not looking for a Pre/DAC combo. I would like a new DAC and/or a high end SACD player.

As a classical music listener mainly, there are plenty of SACD recordings that could justify a player upgrade for me; I have about 50 SACDs at the moment and would have more if I had a player better than my current Sony SCD-CE775. JohnMichael's SCD-XA5400ES would probably work well for me; (I'd pay the shipping).

Speaking of DIY and also NCore amps, you can buy the raw guts of a stereo amp based on the NC400 for Euro 1110, about USD 1500. Add couple of a hundred for cases, connectors, and RFI/EMI filters (as pictured) and you'd have you amps for about 1/4 of commercial ready-made options.