PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 I'm looking for a small form factor preamp, balanced. By small form factor, I mean roughly the size of a Wyred4Sound mPRE (the preamp to be replaced) or smaller (22cm wide). It looks like the options are limited in this space. Having just built a custom rack for this kit, I don't want to change form factor. The Drawmer MC1.1 looks like a contender, but I'm not in a position to audition (lockdown!) and so I'm seeking opinions, suggestions and bright ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 There are really not that many on the market. What are the features you require? There are few DACs with volume control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 The lack of obvious contenders is what led me to open this topic and seek inspiration from others. Really, I need input, output, volume knob. Have DACs, would prefer balanced. It seems the smaller units are all single-ended. Or sketchy Chi-Fi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray H Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 The benchmark is reputedly superb; https://www.heynowhifi.com.au/collections/benchmark/products/benchmark-la4-line-amplifier There is also the usual Cyrus options; https://www.rio.com.au/product/s-dac-xp-signature-balanced-pre-amp-cyrus/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 I should probably have qualified that this is for the desktop system, budget is $1500 max. 6 minutes ago, Ray H said: The benchmark is reputedly superb; And that looks like a perfect solution, just a little spendy. Really nice. Otherwise, an excellent solution. Hmm. Anyone selling one off? Hah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray H Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 Yep, sorry got carried away spending your money 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemini07 Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 Yamaha WXC - 50 is probably your best bet, although it doesn't have XLR connectivity. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yamaha-WXC-50-MusicCast-Pre-Amplifier/173030698415?hash=item28496eedaf:g:PGkAAOSwSrNaMQ4a&frcectupt=true I believe Burson may also do something worth considering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 Some of the Burson kit is getting there, but still seems more of a bluetooth DAC with some preamp function rather than an actual preamp. The W4S mPRE was actually a perfect fit and if it hadn't developed problems it'd be a keeper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 Bel canto https://www.classaaudio.com.au/pre-amplifiers/513-bel-canto-dac-17-preamp.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 25 minutes ago, Irek said: Bel canto https://www.classaaudio.com.au/pre-amplifiers/513-bel-canto-dac-17-preamp.html That's a DAC. It has no analog inputs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 14 minutes ago, PCOWandre said: That's a DAC. It has no analog inputs. A DAC without analog inputs! Sacre blue! Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 1 minute ago, andyr said: A DAC without analog inputs! Sacre blue! I know! What's next? A power amp with no ethernet? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, PCOWandre said: I know! What's next? A power amp with no ethernet? Xackly! Andy PS: btw the Naim NAC 12s is a good-sounding preamp with a narrow form factor (good-sounding if you tweak it) and I think Meridian also made a narrow preamp. Edited September 14, 2020 by andyr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 37 minutes ago, PCOWandre said: That's a DAC. It has no analog inputs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 That's a $4000 DAC with a pair of unbalanced inputs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 Saga should fit in as well. https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 Maybe I've been vague. Actually, I have found a another contender as well. The back should look more like this: Or this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugPowderDust Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 You could always get something from the ProAudio aisle in the supermarket: https://reverb.com/au/item/31804237-universal-audio-dcs-remote-preamp?locale=en-AU That would look sexy on the desk with the VU meters and a hell of a lot more flexible than a standard hifi preamp. That said, my computer setup is all based around a 16 channel digital mixer with an outboard headphone amplifier, so I'm probably not chasing the simplicity many on here would be seeking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDX Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 (edited) Interesting that I think sennheiser hdvd 800 fits all your needs. but for that cost and design I’d just use single ended, may even sound better. Edited September 17, 2020 by TDX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nada Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 (edited) .... Edited September 17, 2020 by Nada Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 17, 2020 Author Share Posted September 17, 2020 Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! In this case, a case of missed emails and communication delay has been straightened out, and the vendor of my current preamp is arranging a replacement part to be sent out, hopefully alleviating the need for replacement. 9 hours ago, recur said: would look sexy on the desk It would, but the flat surfaces of the desk are already all spoken for. Hence I've built everything into a giant tower of shelving next to the desk. Very nice unit, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieMick Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 If you’re still looking, I’m loving the Townshend Allegri+ I bought from their eBay store. Landed in my system for a tick under $3k. No XLR, but that’s what adapters are for. It’s quite brilliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted September 18, 2020 Author Share Posted September 18, 2020 That Townshend is a nice looking unit, but I prefer my pre to be active. I let me Promitheus go earlier this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t_mike Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 Small form factor, would it really be balanced, or just look like it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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