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Post by peterthebutcher on Dec 14, 2023 8:35:50 GMT
I am just about at my wits end, why? Because over the last few days I have bee trying to find a dac/pre that I can connect my A/V amp to. What I am looking for is a thing similar to what I use now, The PS Stellar Gain Cell Dac (SGCD). It has on the rear analogue connections where I can take my Van Den Hull lead from the pre out on the A/V amp that runs my rear and centre speaker, and connects to the Analogue pre in on the SGCD, sounds simple enough, but can I find one to look into? No. am even willing to give up the i2S connections and go with the noisy USB.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 14, 2023 9:01:39 GMT
I am just about at my wits end, why? Because over the last few days I have bee trying to find a dac/pre that I can connect my A/V amp to. What I am looking for is a thing similar to what I use now, The PS Stellar Gain Cell Dac (SGCD). It has on the rear analogue connections where I can take my Van Den Hull lead from the pre out on the A/V amp that runs my rear and centre speaker, and connects to the Analogue pre in on the SGCD, sounds simple enough, but can I find one to look into? No. am even willing to give up the i2S connections and go with the noisy USB. I've read that about 6 times and I still don't understand what you need 😂 Two channel.....simple lol |
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 14, 2023 9:15:44 GMT
Well it's not particulary clear from the description but I'm thinking you're using the analogue inputs on the PS Audio pre to take the analogue signal from your AV amp so they can be heard via the PS Audio? I'm assuming that it would just be a 'pass-through' connection as it would serve no purpose converting the signal to digital and then back to analogue (via the PS Audio's internal DAC). I'm assuming you mean these inputs on your PS Audio:  If you're looking for another DAC that does this there are loads with analogue inputs (2 channel anyway, your PS Audio has 3 X 2 channel inputs so is likely more geared towards multiple sources/AV setups etc). As an example there is a Nuprime one on the same site as your PS Audio. Here is the rear of the Nuprime with the associated inputs highlighted, is this not what you mean?  Are you actually looking for an upgrade over the PS Audio or just another dac/preamp that does what the PS Audio does (you don't state anywhere). A little more info might help. |
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Post by peterthebutcher on Dec 14, 2023 9:35:10 GMT
I am thinking about upgrading to something like the Holo Spring or PS DS MKI or even a MKII (if one comes up) none of those dac/pres have an analogue in, so I can connect my a/v amp, as I do at the moment. But your pic of the rear of the PS SGCD is 100% right, I use one of those connections
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 14, 2023 9:47:52 GMT
I am thinking about upgrading to something like the Holo Spring or PS DS MKI or even a MKII (if one comes up) none of those dac/pres have an analogue in, so I can connect my a/v amp, as I do at the moment. But your pic of the rear of the PS SGCD is 100% right, I use one of those connections You're at a bit of a niche area of the market (as you are finding). The DAC's that will improve upon the PS Audio (in my opinion) are geared towards performance only and having extra analogue connections (from another source) is not really something most of their market target are that interested in. I'm not saying you wouldn't find one but in all honesty I doubt you're going to hear much difference overall in your setup. My suggestion would be to look at a superior outboard DAC all together and keep the PS Audio as a pure pre-amp, utilising the other analogue input section. That way you could have a nice DAC (running at full chat, including balanced connections into your PS Audio, without any digital volume attenuation or any other performance detracting add ons) as well as keeping most of your current setup (including the AV amp going into the PS Audio). You could even try a 'cheap' (but likely superior to the DAC in the PS Audio) Topping E30 mkII or similar just to test the theory . . . (You can buy one from Amazon and if it's not for you just send it back) . . . In my experience allowing a DAC to just do one job has always sounded far superior to one running pre-amp duties (or anything else for that matter). Same with the pre-amp (not being used as a DAC too), so you will likely gain sonic benefit having the PS Audio just take care of signal and volume attenuation. That's my take anyway. |
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Post by misterc on Dec 14, 2023 12:26:31 GMT
I am thinking about upgrading to something like the Holo Spring or PS DS MKI or even a MKII (if one comes up) none of those dac/pres have an analogue in, so I can connect my a/v amp, as I do at the moment. But your pic of the rear of the PS SGCD is 100% right, I use one of those connections Good grief NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo |
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Post by electronumpty on Dec 14, 2023 14:27:41 GMT
Gooid grief NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Did the cat step on your keyboard? 🤣🤣 |
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Post by misterc on Dec 14, 2023 15:02:19 GMT
No, it just shat intself when it saw the word Holo audio
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Post by jandl100 on Dec 15, 2023 9:14:46 GMT
No, it just shat intself when it saw the word Holo audio Oh, my Holo Audio Spring something or other wasn't too bad, just nothing particularly great. Appalling vfm though, now I come to think about it. |
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Post by misterc on Dec 15, 2023 9:36:10 GMT
Jerry
Its just like plain old vanilla, with a large helping of extra vanilla essence on top whilst being sautee'd in pure vailla pod on low heat while being sprinkled with vanilla extract powder. Hummmmmmmmmmmm ultra nice cats
Holo & PS audio should really be awarded the Temazepam users how to keep your addiction going gong without raising alarm bells at your local medical practice
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 15, 2023 9:43:29 GMT
Or . . . or . . . instead of just shi**ing on brands we have some hang ups regarding, we productively offer some alternatives and advice regarding the OP?
It's small thinking to simply refer to something as crap without giving any justification or helpful alternative. Just total nonsense
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Post by misterc on Dec 15, 2023 11:11:31 GMT
Since when is vanilla been crap  Ok point taken Chris |
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 15, 2023 11:23:37 GMT
Since when is vanilla been crap Ok point taken Chris Good man Tony, I only say it because in fact, you probably have more valuable insight into these subjects than most! If you think something is crap, say it (and you will  ) by all means, don't want to sanitise opinion here, but would be good to give a good steer of direction towards what might help someone out asking these questions or reading the threads. Cheers |
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Post by misterc on Dec 15, 2023 12:00:01 GMT
Chris
Its far from crap really its just uber safe.
As you know Chris digital a wide and broad subject that encompassess many aspects as well as dac A or B (as we both know lol)
So I would suggest that the OP possibly start with what the are REALLY trying to achieve with their sound, as both PS Audio and Holo Audio are quite similar in sonic terms. Are they looking for a genuine uplift in the same vien, in which case a Holo May level 2 or KTE version is the answer. Or are they looking for a different presentation altogther? Also WHY they wish to traverse route a or b.
Would suggest that would help the good folks on here with there suggestions as to what and why the OP needs to listen a particular device.
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Post by macca on Dec 15, 2023 18:40:25 GMT
www.thomann.de/gb/rme_adi_2_pro_fs_r_black_edition.htmRME ADI 2 Pro Textbook measurements right across the board, analogue inputs, loads of other features, made in Germany If I was going to get a new DAC it would be this one. I also would get rid of the PS Audio altogether and get a proper pre-amp. The PS Audio has a lot of noise and distortion both in the DAC and pre-amp stages.
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Post by misterc on Dec 15, 2023 18:54:37 GMT
I also would get rid of the PS Audio altogether and get a proper pre-amp. The PS Audio has a lot of noise and distortion both in the DAC and pre-amp stages. Spot on Martin |
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Post by peterthebutcher on Dec 17, 2023 10:44:13 GMT
I have been offered a Bel Canto Dac 2.8, any good? Tony, thoughts. And will sell the PS unit and the Matrix SPDIF with its AQ HDMI lead (for using the i2S connections)
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Post by hifinutt on Dec 17, 2023 20:21:39 GMT
Yes bel canto stuff is superb and lasts for years ,bc dacs are extremely good .i use the eix dac pre and have had dac 3.5 as well
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Post by hifinutt on Dec 17, 2023 20:22:48 GMT
The pre 5 is also a good pre to match the 2.8
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Post by macca on Dec 18, 2023 20:24:57 GMT
Agree Bel Canto good - expensive, but you get some solid engineering for your money.
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Post by peterthebutcher on Jan 20, 2024 9:52:26 GMT
As way of an update to my looking for a suitable Dac that has a set of analogue pre in's, a good friend suggested a passive pre amp, yes, I know the sound might be affected, but he only sound that will be going thru will be the TV/Netflix/Prime
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 20, 2024 11:00:32 GMT
As way of an update to my looking for a suitable Dac that has a set of analogue pre in's, a good friend suggested a passive pre amp, yes, I know the sound might be affected, but he only sound that will be going thru will be the TV/Netflix/Prime The Eversolo DMP8 has anologue inputs I believe. |
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Post by mikeyb on Jan 20, 2024 12:59:47 GMT
Wiim Pro and Pro Plus streamers have analogue in, no idea what for but might be worth investigating
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Post by peterthebutcher on Feb 3, 2024 16:51:07 GMT
A way of an update on the new Dac/Pre front... have had it suggested that an Aurlic Vega 2 may solve things. What are the forums opinions on this piece of hardware. I have never streamed before, apart from my own Flac files
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 3, 2024 17:01:32 GMT
A way of an update on the new Dac/Pre front... have had it suggested that an Aurlic Vega 2 may solve things. What are the forums opinions on this piece of hardware. I have never streamed before, apart from my own Flac files Only heard the G2 streamer, but it's exceptionally good. |
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) by all means, don't want to sanitise opinion here, but would be good to give a good steer of direction towards what might help someone out asking these questions or reading the threads.
