Happy New Year!
Not sure whether The lab is the right place for this, but I’ll give it a try because I’m looking for some technical insight and objectivity.
I have a two-channel system that started out as a minimalist system with just a Squeezebox 3 and an AKSA 100 N+ amplifier (DIY – you can see photographs in my gallery). Obviously I use the SB’s internal DAC and volume control. I do have a Benchmark DAC1 that I bought for this system, but it has been temporarily diverted for use in another system!
I’d like to have the ability to switch between the SB3 and a turntable, so I could just add a box containing a selector switch (I have a DIY Hagerman Ripper that can function as a phono amp). Also, I’m a little nervous about whether a digital volume control can fail catastrophically and result in zero attenuation. I’ve also read that digital attenuators degrade the sound, but then I’ve read rebuttals too.
So I’m wondering whether adding an active pre-amp would be a good move. I could build the AKSA GK-1 hybrid pre-amp which would be well matched with my AKSA power amp and would be within my DIY capabilities, but the kit is about $1,500 including the phono option. By the time I’ve added shipping, the cost of an enclosure, and the inevitable tweaks, it’ll be closing in on $2,000. As a commercial option, I would consider an Arcam C31 pre-amp which was cleared out for less than $1,000 when it was discontinued (less than half retail), so I guess that anchors the top end of my budget. I have noticed various pre-amp threads for things like the Akido, Pass B-1, Transcendent Grounded Grid, and so on, but I’ve never heard any of them, nor do I know where they fit on the SQ scale.
So here are my questions:
- First, will I benefit from a pre-amp sonically, or is a simple selector switch all I need?
- If a pre-amp would be a good idea, what should it be (for maximum the sound quality)?
Here’s the basic spec:
- Switching for a minimum of two sources (SB3 and turntable) and volume control.
- Fidelity and soundstage – the best I can wring out of this system for the budget.
- A little gain? (The GK-1 has 6 dB).
- A phono stage would be convenient, but not essential.
- I don't care whether it's SS, tube, or hybrid as long as it's reliable and maintainable.
- If it’s DIY, it must be within my capabilities. I can solder and follow instructions, but don’t have much electronics knowledge.
I could sell my Benchmark DAC1 and buy a DAC1 Pre instead. This is very tempting, but opens up a broader question of whether there’s a better way to spend $1,600 on a DAC and a pre-amp!
Your insight and recommendations will be much appreciated!
