Thread: dCS Debussy direct or through pre

I have a question/survey for Chris and other Debussy users.

Have you compared connecting the Debussy direct to your power amp Vs through a preamp? What was your impression? Which pre did you use?

I connected the Debussy directly to the Leben CS600 bypassing its supposedly passive pre section. I found the sound more noticably more detail and dynamic. But after a few days of listening I found the sound a bit fatiging so I switched back to the pre section and never thought much of it again. That could have caused by many variables, my own mood included. So I am thinking to switch it back again to try.

Appreciate inputs from users with similar settings, I am thinking to add a higher end pre-amp to the CS600 but may be able to save a few bucks if no pre proved to be the best option.

Chris I noticed that you have reviewed most of the similarly graded DAC but not the Debussy which you own. Any plan on reviewing that? I know the TAS and Stereophile had complete opposite view on whether the Debussy direct to power amp was better than through a proper pre.

I do not have Debussy, but I did have an Elgar. I tried to connect the Elgar directly to my Cello Performance II (Power amp)without Suite (Pre), but I did not like it.

Cello claimed that their Audio Pallette MIV can be connected between the power amp. and a CD player without Suite (Pre), again, I prefer to have a Pre.

I am not an audiophile expert, but I do find the sound is less dynamic without a Pre.

Thanks I tried again myself last night and did not like the direct connect.

Then thing is even when in direct in mode, the volume control of the Leben is still active. I then lowered the volume of the Leben such that the volume level of the digital volume control of the dCS is near its max level.

The sound seemed more detailed but a bit too raw for my taste. After a few tracks I had to switch back to the Leben and the sound was much smoother. So I guess I will stick with using the Leben passive pre section for now.