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MarkoTaxman

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  1. Hey, plakey. Unfortunately, I have little to offer with respect to your questions, as I do not own a turntable. I can tell you that the analog stage components are very high quality; however, I cannot speak to the implementation of those components relative to competitors' designs. I am enjoying the heck out of this unit, though. It sounds fantastic and operates perfectly. I recently moved my Bolder-modified Squeezebox Duet and power supply to another system, as I found connecting my Mac Mini to the Grand Pre via USB cable (Audioquest Carbon) to sound superior. What other units are you considering?
  2. Hello, Computer Audiophiles. I've certainly benefited from the content in this forum, so it makes sense for me to chime in and describe my first-hand experience using the Peachtree Audio Grand Pre. My audio system consists of the following: Source Components * 2009 Mac Mini * BOLDER-modified Logitech Squeezebox Duet and linear power supply * Oppo BDP-83 * Verizon FiOS HD DVR and set-top box * XBox 360 Processors and Amplifiers * Peachtree Audio Grand Pre DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier * Integra DTC-9.8 AV Controller * Musical Fidelity A308cr power amplifier * PS Audio Trio A-100 power amplifier Speakers * Magnepan 1.7 * Magnepan MC1 * Paradigm SUB 1 * AKG K701 headphones with Cardas FatPipe Other Notables * Acoustic Sciences 16"x48" TubeTraps * Acoustic Sciences 22" SubTrap * RealTraps MiniTraps and MicroTraps * Two dedicated 20-amp circuits * Power line conditioners by PS Audio and Furman Sound * Cables ranging from stock to sort-of-fancy I identified the Grand Pre as the ideal component to upgrade the two-channel audio signal path in my system. It integrates well with my home theater system and has enough inputs and outputs to accommodate my sources, amplifiers and subwoofer. For two-channel audio, the Grand Pre has already exceeded my expectations. Compared to digital audio converted-and-controlled by the Integra, the Grand Pre achieves greater resolution and dynamics, all while sounding smoother and warmer. I also enjoy engaging and disengaging the tube buffer stage using the remote control. Based on my listening to-date, I generally prefer the tubes disengaged for high-quality recordings and engaged for lower-quality recordings and compressed audio files. That pattern could easily change, though. The headphone amplifier section is fantastic and can be used with the tube buffer stage either engaged or disengaged. My AKG K701s are extremely resolving and smooth powered by the Grand Pre, and low frequency performance is excellent, which can be an issue with the K701s. The quality of the built-in headphone amplifier has been a very pleasant surprise. I have not tried the USB input, yet, although I will in the coming months. I've grown accustomed to the Squeezebox / iPeng interface, which I think is great. The Bolder Cable Company modifications to the Duet and linear power supply make this a source to be reckoned with. Lastly, the build quality is what one would expect for a $3k component: very, very good. I particularly appreciate the high-quality surface-mounted RCA connectors on the back. The Grand Pre has a number of features and attributes on which I have not commented. Feel free to ask me questions, and I'll do my best to answer.
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