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Post by Clive on Jun 3, 2020 18:26:53 GMT
Jules, my only comment is that it’s strange Gustard make a play of the A22 dac having a fully discrete class A output section with volume control developed over many years vs the preamp which is opamp based.. I’m not saying the preamp isn’t better...it’s just an observation.
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digititis
Jun 3, 2020 18:36:17 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 3, 2020 18:36:17 GMT
Yes well spotted Clive - maybe the DAC pre is better than this ...
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Post by Clive on Jun 3, 2020 18:50:24 GMT
Looking at it again they are somewhat free with word discrete...the A26 is a discrete preamp with opamps....
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digititis
Jun 3, 2020 18:59:18 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 3, 2020 18:59:18 GMT
Ah I see, thanks Clive ...
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Post by MartinT on Jun 3, 2020 19:29:08 GMT
Oops, sorry, I didn't know Gustard made a preamp.
As you were!
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Post by Clive on Jun 3, 2020 19:35:56 GMT
It could be very good...there are very few balanced preamp on the market. I tried to get John at Temple Audio to extract their balanced preamp from the Bantam One to create a stand-alone preamp. With so many class d amps being mostly inherently balanced there must a market out there.
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digititis
Jun 3, 2020 20:12:14 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 3, 2020 20:12:14 GMT
Wasn't he interested Clive?
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Post by Clive on Jun 3, 2020 20:23:45 GMT
:-( no
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Post by MartinT on Jun 3, 2020 22:01:38 GMT
If I were starting again, a decision on a preamp would be predicated on NEEDING (not wanting) several inputs including analogue. If so, preamp it would be.
If I were going single-source (or multiple digital sources only), I would go for a DAC with volume control and maybe a buffer on the output.
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digititis
Jun 3, 2020 22:52:44 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 3, 2020 22:52:44 GMT
My system sounds great at present using a passive pre. I much preferred this to the DAC's volume control and also with a buffer.
I'm really not unhappy with the sound in the least but with all this lockdown time I have been musing options - I've never heard it with an active pre so am just intrigued to see how the sound differs.
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Post by Clive on Jun 4, 2020 10:07:47 GMT
Thinking more about the P26 - I believe it uses opamps because the functionality is greater than the output section of the Gastard DACs. Eg you can set the gain for each input..easier to do across inputs with opamps and there is presumably an input buffer as well as an output stage. It should be a good performing balanced preamp, using opamps was only an observation from me rather than a judgement. I'm with Martin on using DAC/Pre in one box...if you don't need an analogue input. though I get that you don't like the D70 output stage. I'm in box rationalisation mode though so ignore me if you want! You could get a Gustard A22 with supposedly a good output stage for about the same money as the preamp. You can't easily try out first though.
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digititis
Jun 4, 2020 10:43:56 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 4, 2020 10:43:56 GMT
I'm always happy to hear different opinions Clive, so all is good!
Although I might want to resurrect my turntable at some point in the future, I'm ignoring it now, so extra inputs not important to me. I'm purely interested in
overall sound quality.
I don't mind the idea of a DAC/pre but would need to be something where the volume control is completely transparent and not just 'ok' sounding. I'd be curious to know if the Gustard pre brings something extra to the party ...
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Post by Clive on Jun 4, 2020 10:57:03 GMT
My guess is that it's likely the P26 is transparent given that Gustard have a good reputation - but it would be a punt...
The P26 would decouple DAC from preamp so be more flexible in terms of connectivity. There are precious few balanced preamps around so not many other options unless you go pre-owned for a previously mega-expensive high-end prreamp.
Re the A22 DAC/pre, a review where the A22 is praised when feeding a poweramp vs the D90 I don't know this guy at all so can't vouch for his ears but he was pretty definitive about the Gustard A22 output section. If the DGustard P26 is as good or better then that's a good omen.
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Post by Clive on Jun 4, 2020 11:06:25 GMT
Schiit Freya S? Looks good as well.
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digititis
Jun 4, 2020 11:40:47 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 4, 2020 11:40:47 GMT
Yes it looks like they have really thought about the output stage of A22 DAC. Looks appealing but don't think I would take a punt on a new one at £900-1000, would need to be used but not likely to find one for some time.
I've looked at the Freya S, seems a decent product at a reasonable price - only thing that really put me off is the size of it.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 15, 2020 17:28:55 GMT
My second silver USB cable arrived today, this one of more exotic construction than the first. Will be interesting to see what it offers when the chance arises … < 4 x 22awg Pure silver conductors, 2 x Independently shielded twisted pairs. Double shielding: Mylar / Aluminized Foil & Copper braided sleeve. Shotgun construction, power being kept separate from the data conductors. >  |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 17, 2020 6:51:11 GMT
Let us know how you find the Gothic Audio cable, Jules. Very interesting. Where did you buy it from?
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digititis
Jun 17, 2020 10:02:59 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 17, 2020 10:02:59 GMT
The first one I bought new, direct from the maker; this one I bought second hand.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 17, 2020 10:36:30 GMT
Is it the AG4? Looks like a good cable.
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digititis
Jun 17, 2020 12:15:12 GMT
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 17, 2020 12:15:12 GMT
Yep, AG4.
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