[Jeff G]

I am changing around my rig and wondering how to proceed. Equipment:
-DIY ER-18 speaker that Dennis Murphy and Paul Kittinger designed
-SB 3
-MHDT Paradesia plus (some form of USB input)
-ClassD audio SD 254

I am trying to figure out what to do for a preamp section. I am looking at some options like Gary Dodd's Tube buffer or the Nelson Pass buffer. I suspect that the Dodd buffer sounds great but i would rather not mess with batteries. Other options are a more active preamp like the Ming Da 7 (yes, I am trying to do this on the cheap- <$500). I will have a PC (Windows 7) I could use to feed straight into DAC but I'm not sure the MHDT will sound it's best using USB. Not sure how I would control volume with that setup (Media Player???). I am thinking of getting an Iphone soon so maybe that's an option. I think there is a SB app but not sure it's any different than the volume in the SB. I don't think I can swing a Mac Mini and, again, not sure the MHDT would work well with it.

Sorry for being all over the place. Any thoughts are appreciated.
JG

[mcgsxr]

I run my modded SB3 directly into my amp, so I don't use a pre - mind you, I have only a PC source in the main system.

I picked up a used iTouch 8g 1st gen, and run iPeng on it, so it is my remote (wifi) for the system.

Cheap, and cheerful!

[JLM]

Here's a related ongoing thread in the A/C starting block circle:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=93796.0

Previously had a modded SB3 running straight into power amp/monoblocks, then with a CDP I used a passive that muted the highs (I'm sure due to cabling mismatches).  From there used stepped attenuators plugged directly into my monoblocks.  Currently running an Eastern Electric DAC (with tube gain stage, 3 volt output, and volume control) which is the closest I've had to a pre-amp. 

[Dan Driscoll]

I do use a preamp, an Audio Refinement Pre-5, for source selection and volume control. I don't like digital volume controls, almost all of them work by chopping off bits. I also have multiple sources, so input switching is a requirement.



My SB3 path is PC > SB3 > tube DAC > Pre-5 > power amp > speakers

[jtwrace]

Dodd Buffer here!

[wilsynet]

I have a very good passive, the well regarded Lightspeed Attenuator.  It's quite good, and with some amplifiers it's probably a better choice than nearly all active preamps, assuming your source output impedance is sufficiently low of course.  For example, I think the Music Reference RM-10 is splendid with the Lightspeed LDR.

But for a different set of amplifiers, I think an active of some kind is the way to go, whether that's an active zero gain buffer like the Dodd and First Watt B1, or a more traditional active with a gain stage.

Listening to the Shindo Aurieges I recently purchased from Gopher, I have to say that I'll be keeping it for some time to come.  There is a weight and fullness to the music, tonal beauty, and to these ears no material loss in transparency.  If others want to call this coloration then so be it.  I've heard the ultra-transparent Lightspeed and compared it to the Shindo, and I'll take the Shindo.

There are other, less expensive but good active preamps out there.  The Dodd buffer is probably terrific but I haven't heard it.

[nyc_paramedic]

I'm using a Placette Audio RVC. It's transparency and bass extension have been nothing short of a revelation. Highly recommended.

Alix USB Linux music server -> Ayre QB-9 24/192 DAC -> Placette RVC -> Quicksilver Silver 88 Monoblocks -> Salk HT2-TL's

[Larkston Zinaspic]

My SAS pre is out of commission at the moment, so I've been switching between my Promitheus (who?) Dual-Box Reference C-Core TVC and my YS Audio A2-SE, using balanced line connections from the Metric Halo to the Atma-Sphere amp.

The YS pre is an intriguing piece of gear. Would like to check out The Truth preamp one of these days.

[eparson]

I use John Broskie's Aikido preamp in front of my transporter.  Highly recommended!

[geowak]

Jeff
I use a Benchmark DAC1 USB. It's a DAC, a headphone amp, USB connect to a Squezebox and also used as a preamp.

[pardales]

no

[Berto]

I have a very good passive, the well regarded Lightspeed Attenuator.  It's quite good, and with some amplifiers it's probably a better choice than nearly all active preamps, assuming your source output impedance is sufficiently low of course.  For example, I think the Music Reference RM-10 is splendid with the Lightspeed LDR.

But for a different set of amplifiers, I think an active of some kind is the way to go, whether that's an active zero gain buffer like the Dodd and First Watt B1, or a more traditional active with a gain stage.

Listening to the Shindo Aurieges I recently purchased from Gopher, I have to say that I'll be keeping it for some time to come.  There is a weight and fullness to the music, tonal beauty, and to these ears no material loss in transparency.  If others want to call this coloration then so be it.  I've heard the ultra-transparent Lightspeed and compared it to the Shindo, and I'll take the Shindo.

There are other, less expensive but good active preamps out there.  The Dodd buffer is probably terrific but I haven't heard it.

Small world. I heard that shindo a/b'ed gainst my LSA as well and you are spot on w/the review. Awesome piece, Enjoy!