In the digital audio forum I've been discussing my setup which has no preamp but runs a Berkeley Alpha DAC 2 directly into my Boulder 2060. There seems to be a consensus that a preamp adds something beyond functionality. Ack feels the Berkeley is not suited to drive an amp directly because of issues with its digital volume control. Later today I'll be trying hard to duplicate the sound variations others have heard related to that volume control but in the meantime I've started researching possible preamp options to try. I have no need for more functionality than the Berkeley provides so a straight line stage preamp will do. My first choice is a late Boulder but that's probably beyond my means. Recently I've read a review in Stereophile for the Pass Labs XP 22. Austin liked the sound and Atkinson liked the measurements. Anyone here have any thoughts or experience with the XP 22?
Last edited: