B&W 604 s2 / preamp upgrade questions

[Uav83]

Hey guys,
My brother is rather new to the stereo game here, and wanted me to ask a few quick questions.

He is currently running B&W 604s2 floor speakers with a B&K PT3 Series II preamp with a B&K amp that puts out 140wpc. The B&K pre only allows for analog inputs and he wants to jump up to something with digital. So here are his questions:
1) Will jumping up to a pre with digital inputs equate to better sound?
2) With B&K being bought out, what are others to consider?

80/20 split music/movies. Stereo only (2.1) with Vel sub.

Thanks guys!

[htsteve]

Uva83,

I personally like a pre-amp that has digital capability. This is because the DAC's in a quality pre-amp are almost always better than the sources that would feed a pre-amp via analog.

So in your brothers case, if he has a decent source (CD/DVD/Blu Ray), going digital in the pre-amp would most likely significantly boost DAC performance. This would result in better sound quality.

Another advantage of a digital pre-amp is that bass management can be done there as well. Generally a more integrated sound.

I would expect dynamics, soundstage and details to be improved.

Doing a search on the forum should definitely help to find recommendations. Rotel and Emotiva come to mind. Also, if used gear can be considered, that might bring some hi end gear into range.

Is there a budget in mind?


Hope this help.

[stuofsci02]

Another option of course is to add an external DAC (for which there are many), and continue to use the analog preamp.

[specialized]

Another option of course is to add an external DAC (for which there are many), and continue to use the analog preamp.

Get Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Try it as first as source and use analog preamp. Compare sound with DAC1 directly to AMP vs DAC1 to Preamp to Amp. If u prefer sound from DAC1 to AMP, sell the preamp u have . I done like that, and sold my McIntosh C2300. Now im using DAC1 directly to Krell AMP and i can't believe it how good can sound 24/96 or 24/88 flac's from HDTracks or Linn


Greetings

Darko

[Uav83]

HTSteve, Thanks for the advice, that was pretty much what we were thinking. Stu, First off, your basement is coming along nicely! I saw the new pics of it, and it looks great. Second, we were kicking around the idea of a nice DAC converter a while ago, but decided against adding another component to the system.

[stuofsci02]

Specialized,

I have been eyeing the Benchmark HDR. WOuld love to give it a try.. I just wish there was a unity gain input or bypass so that I could integrate it to my HT setup.

Uav83,

Understood on keeping components to a minimum. DO you only have digital devices? If so, then Specialized recommendation is very good.. There are other companies that make other DAC/Preamp devices. They can be excellent, so long as you are not trying to integrate a sub.

Cheers

Stuart

[Uav83]

Yes, All of the devices are digital, however there is a Velodyne sub being used with the setup.
Does anyone have a suggestion on a nice preamp under $800? I was looking at the Emotiva UMC-1; any thoughts?

[stuofsci02]

Yes, All of the devices are digital, however there is a Velodyne sub being used with the setup.
Does anyone have a suggestion on a nice preamp under $800? I was looking at the Emotiva UMC-1; any thoughts?

Unless you are running a multichannel HT setup I see no reason to use a multichannel pre/pro. If you are then something like the UMC would fit the bill. Just note that there are still some software issues with the UMC-1.

[Uav83]

I didn't see any that had digital connections with their other preamps? Was I possibly missing something?

[stuofsci02]

Look at the XDA-1. It is a DAC with volume control (basic digital preamp) and can be connected directly to an amp.

[Uav83]

I just checked it out, and it does not have enough options in the back for everything to be hooked up. Any other suggestions? He is open to anything $1000 and under.

[specialized]

[QUOTE=stuofsci02]Specialized,

I have been eyeing the Benchmark HDR. WOuld love to give it a try.. I just wish there was a unity gain input or bypass so that I could integrate it to my HT setup.

I have integrated using Analog input. From the Preout Front/Left on Receiver (DENON 3808), im connecting to Benchmark. There is atuanators for adjusting output signal from Benchmark. When i use HT i use also switch on Benchmark for fixing the volume and with Auddisey Calibration it's everything matched. So u can see u can integrate with HT without problems..


Understood on keeping components to a minimum. DO you only have digital devices? If so, then Specialized recommendation is very good.. There are other companies that make other DAC/Preamp devices. They can be excellent, so long as you are not trying to integrate a sub.

I dont have a phono and playing CD's, SACD's and HiRes Flac. When i got DAC1 and since there is everyday more and more albums in 24-96 most of listening im doing in last 2 month are 24-96 or 24-88 FLacs from my Laptop. It sound totaly amazing. For spining CD's i use Pioneer DVD 610 (i have Rotel CD Player RCD-1072 but i feel like Pioneer is better for transport).

First period of listening this way i feel like i miss the bass. After a while i realized it's so clear and tight that seem like it's missing, but in reality is so real and not colored. The only negative thing is that it dont have remote control so i have to do it manualy. With DAC1 HDR there is remote control as well


Greetings

Darko

[Audio_ElF]

More than your $1000 budget; but the Wyred4Sound DAC2 is getting good reviews at around $1500. This device includes built in volume control and fixed analogue bypass (for HT integration).

Eloise

[stuofsci02]

I just checked it out, and it does not have enough options in the back for everything to be hooked up. Any other suggestions? He is open to anything $1000 and under.

There are others, but none that I have heard. The one box solution kinda limits your options.