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RE: Tried without a preamp

The output impedance of the buffer (AD8512) of your DAC is less than 30 ohms.

There is no reason for it not to drive the cables and the input of the Cit2 just fine (probably better than your preamp).

So that leaves us with the volume control. If the DAC's volume control (or whatever volume you used when listening without the preamp) is digital then that could be a sonic problem. (lower the volume, lose bits, not good)

On the other hand, if the DAC's volume control is analog then what you are hearing (and liking) is the distortion of the preamp.

Harsh words but in the absents of some other reason for the sound to be compromised coming straight off the DAC vs. through the preamp, what other conclusion can we come to?

Do you hear a loss of sound quality turning the volume down using the DAC's volume control when playing through the preamp?

This can be tricky. Less volume always sounds poorer than more volume. Using the volume control on the preamp, keep the sound pressure level as you turn the DAC down while turning the preamp up.

If you decide that that doesn't hurt the overall sound then we're back to you liking the "color" that the preamp is adding.

"The best line stage preamp is no line stage preamp at all" (as long as the drive requirements present are meet by the signal source and you have a way of controlling the volume)

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"


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