[Downsize]

Yes ... I need a way to lower the impedence my amp is seeing on it's inputs.  A preamp or an active buffer will do that ... and like I said, gain is simply not what I need.  So I am basically at which choice will offer better sonics ?

The active buffer will make the impedence match much better, but will offer no voltage ..... is no voltage gain a bad thing ?  Hmmm ...

Also, a nice preamp costs some serious dough ... whereas a nice active buffer is very inexpensive.

[Steve]

Hi Steve .. The sound I have is not sterile in the least ... I'm probably suffering from a case of "upgradeitis" ....  The last thing anyone ever calls a DNA-500 is sterile.   I think my issue probably is an impedence issue between the DAC and amp.  I am currently looking into adding either a preamp, or an active buffer .... and am trying to find the strengths and weaknesses of those choices.  I do not need any gain ... I have almost 600 watts per channel, and my system gets crazy loud with the laptop's main volume set at 10 out of 100  !   So if I am correct, the buffer should be all I need .... but will it sound as good as a preamp instead ?  This is where I am now.

Sorry about the misunderstanding. I am having trouble understanding what the sonic issue(s) is, not having heard your system. That is ok, I will bow out.

Cheers.

[sebrof]

Yes ... I need a way to lower the impedence my amp is seeing on it's inputs.  A preamp or an active buffer will do that ... and like I said, gain is simply not what I need.  So I am basically at which choice will offer better sonics ?

The active buffer will make the impedence match much better, but will offer no voltage ..... is no voltage gain a bad thing ?  Hmmm ...

Also, a nice preamp costs some serious dough ... whereas a nice active buffer is very inexpensive.

Sounds like you've begun looking for a band aid now. It seems to me that if you don't like your amp, look for a better one. You started this thread just yesterday asking for suggestions for a tube amp that would give you some of the things that your Mc doesn't. Give it time and listen to the responses.
btw: I've never heard a direct to amp configuration (i.e.: Dac or CDP with volume) that I liked, but I'm sure they're out there.

[Downsize]

Sounds like you've begun looking for a band aid now. It seems to me that if you don't like your amp, look for a better one. You started this thread just yesterday asking for suggestions for a tube amp that would give you some of the things that your Mc doesn't. Give it time and listen to the responses.
btw: I've never heard a direct to amp configuration (i.e.: Dac or CDP with volume) that I liked, but I'm sure they're out there.

Woah .... I never once said or implied I did not like ANYTHING about my current sound ...  I only said i was open to looking at a tube amp for once ....

To set the record straight .... I AM NOT going to switch from my McCormack amp.  If for no other reason, than i do not feel I can get better for less than the price of the average new car       During my investigating however, I have found that my particular DAC has a VERY high output impedence, and I should look into waus of lowering that for a better match with my amp.
That is all .... and is where I am now.   

[zybar]

Sorry that was YOUR experience in YOUR system sir ..... In most systems, those are the McCormack's strengths .... As far as solid state amps go, they are known for being MUCH more tube-like when it comes to presence ... Not sure what the rest of your system must have been doing wrong to prevent you realizing this.

Nothing in my system was wrong and I venture to say that you have a bit to learn about this hobby and interacting with people on this board.  You started this thread and asked for ideas...you are getting them, yet fighting against many very solid recommendations and observations.

Perhaps you should rethink your strategy and approach.

George

[mjosef]

 
'no good deed goes unpunished'...a wise man/woman once said.

[HT cOz]

I think the first thing to change is using your laptop to controll the volume digitally. My understanding is that you are tossing resolution by doing that.

Pass has a diy buffer called the B1 that might be worth looking into. I'm not sure buffers are band aids. What if your source already hass all the drive you need?  Then a buffer seems best, no? 

I would think sorting out the front end should be priority #1.

[DARTH AUDIO]

Woah .... I never once said or implied I did not like ANYTHING about my current sound ...  I only said i was open to looking at a tube amp for once ....

To set the record straight .... I AM NOT going to switch from my McCormack amp.  If for no other reason, than i do not feel I can get better for less than the price of the average new car       During my investigating however, I have found that my particular DAC has a VERY high output impedence, and I should look into waus of lowering that for a better match with my amp.
That is all .... and is where I am now.   

Downsize, You came to this site looking for help(suggestions) and all you've been is combative!! You might think about cutting back on the alcohol.. It doesn't serve you well!!

[Hugh]

Downsize,

I think your best approach is to try to attend as many audio shows as you can to find out for yourself whether or not you'd like tubes SQ.

Just my 2 cents.

[sebrof]

One thing to also keep in mind is that many SS fans will try a tube amp with their speakers and come to the conclusion that tube amps are not for them. In many cases it is because they are plopping a tube amp into a system tuned for SS (mainly speakers).
There are many ways to get good sound, SS or tube, planers or full rangers or whatever. It's much more important to create the system where the pieces compliment each other - The speaker to room and speaker to amp matching to be the most critical, IMO of course.

[KJ]

Following on Lonewolf's advice, you could try a tube pre-amp that allows you to switch between active and passive.  This gives you a slow entry into tubes, let's you keep your SS amp and if it's not your thing you could leave it in passive mode while keeping the pre-amp functionality and existing SS sound.

Bill Baker still has one of his RMAF show pieces available according to this link.  Might be worth a phone call, even if just to understand what a tubed pre could do for you.

Cheers.

[konut]

I'm glad I waited to respond as my first impulse was to recommend a Conrad-Johnson or Audio Research amps. Those are generally accepted to be some of the most reliable and transparent of tube amps. But I don't think that will solve your problem. You have correctly identified your DAC as being the core of the problem, the impedance mismatch with the amp. The solution is to find a DAC with a low output impedance as well as a remote volume. Welcome to the club! The Bryston BDA-1, which I own, satisfies the first requirement, but not the last. I'm using a relatively ancient Creek OBH-12 remote attenuator. I've been looking to replace the latter, for what seems like ages, looking for the perfect remote attenuator. Theres this
  http://members.optusnet.com.au/~georgehifi/
And this
http://diyparadise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=113
But, as you note, these will add extra cables to the your setup. A DAC which has attracted my attention, which might work for you, is this.
http://www.anedio.com/index.php/product/d1_overview
With reviews here.
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/528473/review-anedio-d1-dac-my-new-reference-dac

BTW, I'm not getting combative, just particular. 

[kingdeezie]

The title of this thread screamed "Waiting to be set a flame."

I don't think there is convincing anyone of anything in this hobby since one mans system sound could be another man's ear fatigue, and vice versa.

I am glad you located the DAC as you source for your next endeavor.

As for tube and solid state amplifiers, I had a Pass Labs 250.5, bought some Manley Neo Classic 250s and have been much happier since.

Everyone's milage may vary.

Good luck on your search.

[jtwrace]

To the OP, what does your speaker manufacturer use for amp(s)?

[werd]

                                     WINNING !!

[sts9fan]

Why would I be looking for that chance? 

[Gopher]

A solid state man should not have too much difficulty warming up to Atma-sphere amplification.  The S-30 I owned really combined the merits of tubes and solid state well...   Just about the ideal compromise.

[Berto]

A solid state man should not have too much difficulty warming up to Atma-sphere amplification.  The S-30 I owned really combined the merits of tubes and solid state well...   Just about the ideal compromise.

As you know Fred I just upgraded to CUTF Vcaps b/c my MA-1s were not WARM enough. But still > euphonic , lush, colored >NEVER I can rock out with Ozzy one minute or feel like Norah jones is sitting in my lap the next.

To the OP , Zybar gave you great advice , esp since he owned your amp as well! The Atma's IMO can do it all They also make for a great aux heating system