Pre 1 preamp vs Topping Pre90

Yep - I just wasn’t sure if the OP was talking about noise or distortion or both.


Luckily I have an RME or two, and a relatively good preamp… as I need a preamp to switch between a TT and other gear.

Alan March said:
...
No, correctly implemented digital volume will beat a simple analogue control every time. A hybrid control can be used to optimise SNR (see RME DACs), but that's not the case with typical pre amps.
…
Click to expand...
Not all of them may be correctly implemented though… how does one know?
 
Holmz said:
Not all of them may be correctly implemented though… how does one know?
Click to expand...
Good question. Simple answer is that you dont know for sure unless you have test data. However, this is the same for any component, including analogue volume controls.

I have to say that I have never come across a defective digital volume control. I have seen some pretty mediocre pre amps.
 
Alan March said:
Hi @Ash

I've looked at the Gustard, its a good performer and I wouldn't hesitate to use its own own volume control.
Click to expand...
Thanks for all of that, Alan. Given that my current plan is to play ALAC/DSD from my MacBook Pro, using Audirvana, USB C-B, a Gustard U18 DDC, HDMI into the Gustard X26 III DAC, and a CD transport (probably Audiolab 9000 CDT) through coaxial cable into the X26, then XLR into your P282, you’ve persuaded me not to buy your Pre1, at least in the first instance! Clayton Shaw has finally finished my Caladans, 6 months late, so hopefully I’ll have them in a month or so. As soon as I know when they’re arriving, I’ll get all the new electronics, so it can all burn/break in together!
Thanks again,
Ash
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top