Digital preamp

[slodigia]

Hello Folks, I would like to share some thoughts on my current setup and possible improvements( or not .
.). Initially I was streaming from a Naim XS5 straight into the analog preamp, using the Naim embedded DAC. Then I wanted to give a try to the room correction DSP, adding the little box from miniDSP (Dirac 22DA) between the Naim and the analog preamp. After a lot of tuning on the DSP filters I managed to get good results ( to my ears of course) removing booming and room resonance. However with this setup I am using the DAC on the miniDSP box that is less musical than the Naim.
Then I did another change adding Chromecast Audio as digital source to stream Tidal directly into the miniDSP, this because the Tidal integration into the Naim app is embarrassing.
So at this point I would like to get a decent external DAC to skip the embedded miniDSP DAC.
Ideally I would need a digital preamp capable of digital inputs and analog phono inputs, and digital output to feed the miniDSP.
I did a quick search but I couldn't find a digital preamp with these features with a budget of 1000£.
Is there any advise for this ?

Thanks a lot !!




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[Markiii]

Hello Folks, I would like to share some thoughts on my current setup and possible improvements( or not .
.). Initially I was streaming from a Naim XS5 straight into the analog preamp, using the Naim embedded DAC. Then I wanted to give a try to the room correction DSP, adding the little box from miniDSP (Dirac 22DA) between the Naim and the analog preamp. After a lot of tuning on the DSP filters I managed to get good results ( to my ears of course) removing booming and room resonance. However with this setup I am using the DAC on the miniDSP box that is less musical than the Naim.
Then I did another change adding Chromecast Audio as digital source to stream Tidal directly into the miniDSP, this because the Tidal integration into the Naim app is embarrassing.
So at this point I would like to get a decent external DAC to skip the embedded miniDSP DAC.
Ideally I would need a digital preamp capable of digital inputs and analog phono inputs, and digital output to feed the miniDSP.
I did a quick search but I couldn't find a digital preamp with these features with a budget of 1000£.
Is there any advise for this ?

Thanks a lot !!




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Arcam AV8 or AV9 should do what you want

[mikmas]

The Yahama MusicCast WXC-50 pre-amp has both digital and analogue in and out (£250)
The new Quad Vena II has more digital and analogue in and out possibilities but also has a built in phono stage if this is needed (£650)

Both have very good DAC provisions and should do the job well ...

[slodigia]

Thanks MArkiii, I will have a look!

[slodigia]

Hello Mikmas, the Quad Vena II looks to include a power amp that I don't need, while the Yamaha has only 1 digital input that doesn't really solve my issue
I was looking to this box Pro-JECT-Pre Box ds2 Digital-PRE , did someone ever used it?

Thanks

[Sherwood]

Hello Folks, I would like to share some thoughts on my current setup and possible improvements( or not .
.). Initially I was streaming from a Naim XS5 straight into the analog preamp, using the Naim embedded DAC. Then I wanted to give a try to the room correction DSP, adding the little box from miniDSP (Dirac 22DA) between the Naim and the analog preamp. After a lot of tuning on the DSP filters I managed to get good results ( to my ears of course) removing booming and room resonance. However with this setup I am using the DAC on the miniDSP box that is less musical than the Naim.
Then I did another change adding Chromecast Audio as digital source to stream Tidal directly into the miniDSP, this because the Tidal integration into the Naim app is embarrassing.
So at this point I would like to get a decent external DAC to skip the embedded miniDSP DAC.
Ideally I would need a digital preamp capable of digital inputs and analog phono inputs, and digital output to feed the miniDSP.
I did a quick search but I couldn't find a digital preamp with these features with a budget of 1000£.
Is there any advise for this ?

Thanks a lot !!






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https://www.adl-av.com/products/usbdac/gt40a/

[slodigia]

Folks, thanks for all the suggestions. I decided to give up to the analog input because in most cases the analog input is not converted to the digital output.
I am looking to these options
1) AudioLab 8300CD http://www.audiolab.co.uk/product-detail.php?pid=4

2) https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/products/851/851c

what do you think?

In regard of the analog input needed for my TT, is easier to convert to digital and then feed a digital in.

[Sherwood]

Folks, thanks for all the suggestions. I decided to give up to the analog input because in most cases the analog input is not converted to the digital output.
I am looking to these options
1) AudioLab 8300CD http://www.audiolab.co.uk/product-detail.php?pid=4

2) https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/products/851/851c



what do you think?

In regard of the analog input needed for my TT, is easier to convert to digital and then feed a digital in.

I had the predecessor to the Cambridge unit. It was very good but unless you specifically wanted a CD player, I would go for the Caiman SEG DAC with Dorado power supply. It has greater resolving power than the Cambridge. The Caiman has the option of operating as a straight DAC, or at the flip of a toggle switch as a digital preamp with Volume control.

[slodigia]

I had the predecessor to the Cambridge unit. It was very good but unless you specifically wanted a CD player, I would go for the Caiman SEG DAC with Dorado power supply. It has greater resolving power than the Cambridge. The Caiman has the option of operating as a straight DAC, or at the flip of a toggle switch as a digital preamp with Volume control.

Thanks Sherwood, it doesn't have a digital output needed to feed the miniDSP

[dave2010]

Thanks Sherwood, it doesn't have a digital output needed to feed the miniDSPDoes the miniDSP have coax or optical (or both) inputs?

[slodigia]

Does the miniDSP have coax or optical (or both) inputs?Both.


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[slodigia]

Both

Ciao