Active vs passive preamplifiers? - Holo Serene Preamp Review (and GoldPoint)

[@Sebastian_Athea]

Some DAC companies advertise their digital volume control as being just as good as discrete preamps, RME doubles down on this with claims that their dacs and interfaces digital volume control paired with 3 stage automatic analog gain switching performs better than relay based volume controls; if you have time I would love to see some measurements of this since you already have RME pro, and the effects of digital volume control on signal in general.

[@GoldenSound]

thegoldenone.co.uk/volcontrol.png With digital volume control, you lose dynamic range equal to the amount you attenuate. Various companies like to claim that by processing at 32/64bit they get around this but it isn't true as the limiting factor is the output stage. No dac is accurate to beyond ~21 bit SINAD/24 bit SNR anyway so processing at 32/64 bit will make no difference to dynamic range. Solutions like RME's ADI-2 reference level adjustment DO get around this issue. Though it only works for the first 24dB of attenuation (12dB of which is above normal DAC output voltage anyway). I actually measured the effects of a few volume control methods a while back doing 15dB attenuation and these were the results: thegoldenone.co.uk/volcontrol.png (Main thing to look at is the 'dynamic range' row) You can see that the DSP vol control methods were all basically identical within margin of error, and all were worse than either the ref level adjustment, or the goldpoint attenuator. With the goldpoint slightly outperforming the ADI-2's internal ref level adjustment. The DSP vol control methods all resulted in a loss of 15dB dynamic range. PS: Worth noting that there ARE benefits to proper dithering and higher bit depth processing when doing EQ, vol control or other DSP. But it is not directly related to dynamic range

[@paulstubbs7678]

@@GoldenSound Wow, what a detailed reply. Personally I only use my DAC's digital volume control for quick and dirty changes, like ducking the music whilst my wife receives a phone call etc. (pre-amp has a very slow motorised pot)

[@glenncurry3041]

@@GoldenSound Guess I should have read more before posting very similar details separately. I seldom run into people that have this level of understanding.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Are you sure there are no op amps in this Holo preamp?

[@ezra8s]

Well, you surely mean this. www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/rme-adi-2-fs-version-2-dac-and-headphone-amp-review.13379/post-401802 .Certainly looks superior

[@mikeythanos]

After hearing the clicks on that turn dial, I want that on every amp possible now

[@GoldenSound]

I can't live without the clicks

[@mikeythanos]

@@GoldenSound I don't blame you. It's absolutely satisfying

[@MikeDawson1]

GS-X Mini DACT has this feeling, FYI

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Yeah who needs music when you can just sit there for hours and make that clicking noise. 😂

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Between that and that old school display it reminds me of something you might see in the cockpit of an old rocket or something. It’s very retro tech and cool looking.

[@TheGamerUnknown]

Absolutely loving your content man! So glad you started doing all this. The preamp section was very informative. :)

[@IAmThankfulToday]

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the Benchmark LA4 and/or HPA4.

[@gastonpossel]

I'm an acoustic engineer and this is the first time I hear of a "passive preamp". Since preamps amplifies a signal, they put energy in, which makes them all active. With your clarification that "passive preamps" can only attenuate, I believe this is a semantics quirk. A passive device in front of a poweramp or an adc, or any other input, will be an attenuator/impedance matching device to me (not sure how to call them, but "preamplifier" seems weird).

[@PelletEnvy]

Great review! I also have the Holo May KTE DAC. Wasn't aware that Holo Audio offered a preamp, but now my interest is piqued. Currently using the Benchmark LP4 preamp. Do you have any experience with the LA4 (since you have the AHB2)? Thank you for your informative videos.

[@riknos3289]

Would be fascinating to see a comparison of the Serene and the Benchmark LA4, especially since you already like the AHB-2

[@jarms40]

Impedance matching improves with the introduction of an active preamp in certain circumstances. What our reviewer is hearing in the bass is likely a buffering effect.

[@bobdog43]

Great content, I really enjoy your channel. That said, I think that there is a *fourth* function for active preamps--and another reason to chose one over a passive. And that's to do with impedance-matching. Although you brought it up with respect to (long) cables' impedance, source components also have their own (output) impedance. Often, this is higher than ideal (to drive an amp directly). Active preamps can lower the effective output impedance that the amp "sees," something that a passive pre cannot do. Many listeners have said that, for all their transparency, passive pre's "rob" the music of its dynamics and life; something that I, myself, have experienced. I don't have access to your testing equipment (the measurements of which I really appreciate), so I cannot say that that is what was going on with the active pre's (and DACs directly connected to amps) to which I've listened. But my listening seems to at least conform to those who speak of impedance-matching and underscores this as another important aspect of a (quality) active preamp stage in one's system.

[@dsnyder0cnn]

Thanks for the great reviews. The HoloAudio Serene certainly is gorgeous, and I have no doubt that it sounds every bit as transparent as you describe. It's a statement piece that looks like it was built to last forever. I love the remote too. It's a bit out of budget for me, so I went with the Topping Pre90/Ext90 a month or so ago. Its remote is pretty sad by comparison. If I zoom in super tight (like 1/100th of a dB) on my measurements of the Pre90, I can see what looks like the microscopic zig-zags of feedback at work. However, the sound is completely transparent, dynamic, and delightful to my ears. The clickey volume control is satisfying to use, and the Pre90 drives even low input impedance power amps (eg. Orchard Audio) supremely well. If you get the opportunity, I hope you'll give it a try. Cheers.

[@datdudeinred]

You are just the best audio reviewer out there. I am lucky i found you.

[@phantomplastics6582]

I experience the exact same difference between passive preamps and active ones. The best appear to be simple buffers that preserve the transparency of the passive but help the bass fullness. I'm not an expert but I believe Nelson Pass explains it in terms of better impedance matching. Nelson is a legend and he responds to all emails himself. Could be worth asking him. I'm sure he would have huge appreciation for what you're doing.

[@supercompooper]

I like the soundstaging of those clicks man !

[@christophermiller4029]

Hi Golden, loving your work, especially your Holo May review. Going a bit off piste can you tell me the make of the cable you use on the serene to convert the twin 3 pin XLR's to the 4 pin headphone XLR? Cheers!

[@BobCoalWater]

I’m no head-fi, you are never the less, by far, my favorite audio reviewer, very insightful. Breaks my heart that you are not into vinyl, to make it worse you have a turntable on your home page.

[@lennartmiau6504]

As somebody who only gets half of what you're saying, thanks for the introduction at the beginning. I would definitely appreciate it if you continue doing these mini-tutorials as to what a certain type of hardware (and/or software?) does and why one should consider using it. My plan right now is to just watch your videos and occasionally google something you reference when I'm completely stumped and am missing out on a lot of context, which has worked for me in other topics. My main motivation to kind of concentrate on your channel is that you seem like an extremely trustworthy guy (while still being fair and entertaining), and from what I gather there's a ton of misinformation in the audiophile niche so I appreciate you weeding out the noise. Maybe there are more people out there with similar viewing practices - I'm just telling you so that you can potentially get more familiar with your audience. Or maybe I'm just that self-important :P Now I just need to get a lotta €€€ to even consider actively improving my setups...

[@The4thaggie]

I can't wait until I see a Holo Stack with this and the new headphone amp.

[@raccoon874]

*this is the only video on YT that has Goldpoint preamp in its content*

[@lelluc]

It’s always a good day when golden uploads, keep it up!

[@mikelm222]

An Active preamp with a constant low output impedance will often increase the damping factor of the following amplifier in comparison with a higher output impedance preamp. This explains the better bass sound you are describing.

[@gordthor5351]

DACs have huge differences on a highly resolving system. I am a purists and bypass all tone controls because they muddy the sound. Theoretically a passive attenuater would be best for sound quality, but you forgot to mention the most important part a preamp plays in the circuit. It works as a buffer and without it the sound is very clean, but flat and lackluster. I'm sure a preamp colors the sound a bit, but the sound is dead without it. Most DACs have volume controls and I have hooked them directly to my JC1 mono blocks, but the dynamics are lost. It's just not worth the trade off, even if the signal is a bit purer without a buffer preamp. The first time I tried omitting the preamp, my first impression was, "holy shit that is super clean", but soon after my second impression was, "holy shit, it sounds flat AF". So much is lost without a buffer (preamp) and that is why most people use a preamp.

[@KaWong]

This is exactly my experience as well. This is the best explanation I've heard. Can you elaborate on what you mean by buffer? Is that just for lowering the impedance?

[@Nightjar726]

Would love to see a comparison between this holo pre and the benchmark LA4 which I have and is amazing.

[@DuncanLCastles]

Very enjoyable, thanks. Struggling to find the video on measuring 'audiophile improvements' that you mention at the end of this. Is it available here?

[@massimilianozeni1848]

Interesting video. May I ask you how did you attenuate the volume while connecting the dac directly to the power amp? Doesn’t that imply that u are already using a “pre” (in the DAC) and in that case why would u need a preamp and how can u compare the sound of active vs passive? Thx

[@gordonfreeman4491]

I find you the best audio reviewer on YT, hands down the compettition is not even close. I don't say others are bad or that I don't view them, I just think this is what match me the best. (Looking forward to the Mest review ;)

[@kuuhgle]

The others are bad lol. This is the first good one

[@TheCangle]

Good video Golden. Would be interested in hearing about the Schiit Freya + if you could get your hands on it. I wonder if that would be as similar to the serene or goldpoint in sound with it's passive mode and then the bonus of having added "flavor" with the tube mode. Anyways will have to put the goldpoint on my list of future components as I plan on picking up a 1266 and moving to a speaker amp at some point

[@GoldenSound]

Definitely would love to get my hands on one! Unfortunately Schiit gear is a bit tricky to get in the UK other than the small stuff

[@bimmerboy011]

Thank you for this review, just excellent. I have recently bought the topping pre 90, interesting to hear you mention it.

[@Waitaminutesilly]

Great review. I see that you're using benchmark amp. Have you tried their preamp LA4 or headphone amp? From what I read, they have >135db SNR which is very insane.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

What a great review. Well done. Happy to subscribe!

[@kasama90]

Great review Golden! Can you link to the headphone/adapter cable, or a similar cable that you use?

[@dirkdetaey4203]

When using the Serene as an headphone amp, I assume you are using a dual 3pin Female XLR to single 4pin Female XLR adapter cable? I am not able to find a 'standard' cable exploring the net. Couple of questions: 1) Can you advice a ready-made cable? 2) I have found a company in Greece (I myself am living in Belgium) that is capable of producing one. But they need to konw: a) pin out for the 4 pin XLR (normally it is like this: 1:L+ , 2:L-, 3:R+, 4:R-) b) again for the 4 pin XLR: does the ground need to be connected to the shield of the connector or not Can you help with these questions? Thanks in advance Dirk

[@BrentLeVasseur]

I just got two of those Benchmark AHB2s to use as monoblocks for my speakers. As for transparent, what it means is you can’t hear it. An amp like the Benchmark can be transparent because the distortion level is so low you can’t hear it and it doesn’t add any color to your system so all you end up hearing are the sonic characteristics of your other components. In the video world 16k is at the maximum resolution the human eye can detect for say a 65” monitor. Apple calls this a “retina’ display because once you go above this resolution the human eye can’t see the increased detail, just like in the case of a transparent amp, it has gone below the noise threshold that the human ear can detect a sonic signature.

[@russb3n]

Awesome as always but I need my GoldenSound fix TWO times a week

[@paulwg2112]

Great content young man!

[@shilu6979]

Hi GoldenSound, (excuse me if you have said your name i didn't pick up). I'am in a quest of cabling my setup (computer >audioquest coffee> pontus2 > flux fa-12 > lcd'x). But I'have a couple self amplified monitors that I would l would like to feed from the DAC too. I have my concerns regarding of the goldenpoint SAX2. I know you said and shown measures that its transparent. Have you done critical listening using the goldpoint and removing it? I find it hard to be the same than using some good cables going straight from the dac to the amp. Could you please answer me on this please? Also, what xlr cables are yu using? Thanks for your videos, very nice quality :)

[@nikhilji]

Great review! Subb'ed! Does this preamp have an input level matching feature (boost function) like the benchmark la4?

[@Simon-dn9kv]

John Atkinson said the same in his review of the PS Audio BHK preamp and Pass Labs pre. He can't explain why it sounds better, but it does to him compared to DAC straight to power amp.

[@paulstubbs7678]

"A phone microphone", with all your gear and attention to detail, a phone was the last thing I would have thought you would have shot this video with.

[@multibeast5764]

Big Gigantic 👍! Met Dominic a few times at house parties during college, super nice guy. First time I saw him play was when he was still with The Motet and it was such an intimate experience. It was in the common area at the Boulder Creek Lodge Hotel in Nederland CO (outside Boulder). Great video and sorry the comment is pretty much completely unrelated to the video.

[@r08zy]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and absolutely love your content. However, and apologies this question is t audio related… what monitor arm are you using? I’ve been looking for something for my ultrawide for a while now and can’t find anything decent. Thanks

[@GoldenSound]

I'm using arms from "Invision". Having tried quite a few, this is 100% the brand i'd recommend. Suuuuper sturdy and holds up the hefty x34 with no wobble even when fairly far off-centre. All without breaking the bank. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8X4KBV I'm sure some of the £100-200 arms might be better. But honestly these are fantastic and I see no reason to upgrade.

[@r08zy]

@@GoldenSound that’s excellent, thanks

[@MartinHAndersen]

Have you tried connecting the May directly to your amp? Using roon or HQPlayer for volume control? Wounder have it sounds compared to the Serene

[@bobjohnson5410]

Stellar review. What are your monitors? I can't read the label. Looks like "onardi" but that brand does not exist.

[@Taladin1234]

Many people find that to be the case, many people prefer a pre amp between their dac and power amp because it gives more weight and meat to the bone. You can watch some relevant video on Paul's videos(ps audio) . Some say it is indeed impedance matching, Darko thinks thats the case Also, not all tube pre amps color the sound, tube pre amps are usually used for soundstage and imaging Great video

[@jon4715]

Yeah, there is nothing inherently distorting about a tube. They are linear, and there should be less distortion in a perfect tube.

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

If you replaced the gullpoint passive volume control with an autoformer volume control could allow using longer cables. Since the Autoformer Volume Control (AVC) is an inductive element, the output of your input source is actively driving the AVC. The driving impedance is at it's greatest with the AVC at max volume. Anywhere in between the AVC' s output impedance is drastically reduced, thus being more immune to cable capacitance. Presently AVCs from Intact Audio to drive monoblocks with long cables w/o issue.

[@alainbesario6679]

Hi, I believe I saw your ad you were selling your XP 12 preamp by pass labs. What is the difference? Why are you selling it may I know? Very nice video

[@_han.soso_]

my new favorite audio reviewer :)

[@ruusta8042]

Very intrigued to learn about this upcoming Holo headphone amp! Have you ever thought to take a look at comparing Holo Audio's stuff to Audio-GD's? They seem to be very much on an equal level, and I would love to hear you talk about them side-by-side.

[@alphaniner3770]

My guess is that any Audio GD has more house sound, less 'transparent'. A matter of taste.

[@Sigmatechnica]

What is this 'nested feedback' you are referring to? not heard the term beffore. an opamp in the feedback loop of another opamp? or is it just opamps in general you are objecting to?

[@SuperFake89]

@GoldenSound I was about to buy Spring with pre-amp. How do you think the add-on preamp inside Spring compared to this? I don't really need extra inputs and am totally fine with DAC/Pre combo. Thanks!

[@georgeryan6240]

What is the Wildism Audio stamp on the front represent. Modifications? Sales source?

[@jianboo]

Hi thanks for the honesty and candidness, this was a great review. I want to ask, if you have to buy only the serene or the may dac for remote control and sound quality purposes, should one buy the may first or the serene? Thanks in advance.

[@ap0005]

Thank you for this fantastic, comprehensive, and fun review. I understand why you use the Benchmark AHB2 in your setting for headphones like Susvara. My questions are: 1) What is your opinion about matching the Susvara with the new Purifi or Hypex Class D power amplifiers? For example, Audiophonics HPA-S400ET. 2) Would you use power amps for other planar magnetic or dynamic headphones? Thanks, Aviad

[@carlosubilla2970]

Hello, regarding cable length in passive preamp scenario. What if you have a short XLR cable from Goldpoint to Amp, and then, let's say, a normal length speaker cable from Amp to speakers? For instance, 1.5 ft. XLR and 7 ft. speaker cable. Would that be a good combination for a passive preamp like the Goldpoint?

[@moritzmusik5826]

Very informative! Question: if I use an external phono preamp with a line level output, can I use a passive preamp? Cheers.

[@paulstubbs7678]

Nice, made me hit the subscribe button, especially for the up-coming. I thought I was fairly clued up with DAC's, however when it comes to DSD I'm a tad confused, as in there are no 'analogue' values to convert, so ........

[@glenncurry3041]

While it is far far more complicated, at its simplest level DSD is single bit. Either the next sample is a higher voltage and gets a 1, or it is not and gets a 0. On playback conversion, if there is a 1 in the next bit the oup device turns on for that clock cycle. Next single bit says same thing, turn on the output stage yes/no? So if there are a string of ones, the output voltage keeps climbing. If not the output voltage drops during that clock cycle. Because of the extremely high sample rate the filtered/ averaged analog voltages form an analog waveform.

[@User_not_found_403]

+1 on your comments on nested feedback loop devices sound - I felt this way before I knew that nested feedback loops might have been the cause. I had difficulty articulating it, but I felt they sounded cold, tinny/ringy - lack of body, and allowing notes to fully blossom. Many other users argue that It's just in my head because the device measured fantastic and was completely neutral.

[@GoldenSound]

Yep! And honestly I don't know why this is. Even in multitone tests etc many of them perform superbly, but there is just something unmistakable about the sound. Some of them are certainly better than others, but for me, a discrete solution like the serene vs an opamp solution it's just no contest. The opamp ones tend to just sound so much more sterile and with what might be described as "glare"

[@peterlarkin762]

I have tried a multitude of opamps in various pre circuits, and generally agree with your opinion here but!... Opamps can sound as good or better than discrete with a finely tuned circuit. It takes a decent amount of skill to make a good discrete circuit and the same goes for those with opamps. However most cheaper, and more rapidly designed devices (pre's, dacs, etc) tend to use badly implemented power supplies, circuits and low grade opamps and components.

[@petermartin9494]

It is an improvement because of impedance matching and buffering. The Holo preamp is easier to drive by the component that comes ahead of it and it has an easier time driving the component that comes after it. Therefore, the powered preamp will provide better bass and a better foundation to the music that will make it more relaxing and entertraining to listen to that if you just use a passive pre.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Enjoyed the review, thanks man!

[@meshplates]

Cool. Are you going to review the RME dac?

[@whocares0503]

I bought a Luminous Audio Technology Passive preamp with their Walker mod, one input/2 output, all XLR. I use a Topping A90D headphone amp, an SMSL VmV A amp with Klipsch Rp600mii speakers, and I use an SMSL VMV D1 DAC. Everything sounds amazing. You can get a remote if you want, I chose not to. I love my passive preamp and its rare for to hear a difference vs. using the vol. control on the DAC and the AMP. Just my 2 cents...

[@stevelimey]

What headphone cable is that with the Arya. And will you be reviewing burson soloist x3.

[@robcoombes4549]

Quick question - how do you know that the difference is being introduced by the AB switch?

[@datdudeinred]

This might be good for some people but a preamp is mostly used to color & match system synergy. So in such cases a mcintosh tube preamps even their cheapest (lol 3k one) will have much better tonality eg holographic mids that a transparent solid state pre will never have so it's all relative not 1 pre or any product is BEST. depends on what synergy is required in system/chain. So as some people(including me) only wants something that actually changes sound after adding it than keeping it same and turned up to11 transparent is not what i or many other want. But loved that passive preamp review never knew someone made such things ❤️👍

[@johnshepherd708]

How many steps and what impedance is the attenuator in your Gold Point passive unit? Thank you for your continued information and videos. It is very much appreciated.

[@genotabby]

When's the Holo May review going to be released? :D

[@narmikhan80]

The review is awesome. The build and other things seem great, however dealing with Tim - Sole US distributor of Kitsune is a pain in the behind. Rude, not easy to deal with communication. When the unit runs into issues (which every unit does at some point) how will they support and stand behind their product I am not sure. I won’t expect a Pass labs or a McIntosh kind of product support. This is a important consideration in giving it a home. My 0.02C

[@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677]

hello, i have the Serene but now i'm curious about xp12, how do you feel about both? I hear the pass does add a little something

[@giovannig4369]

Great content man! Please please Holo May (vs Qutest and others) next! I would really appreciate

[@glenncurry3041]

WOW! And i was getting ready to add, like I find I need to in almost every other such video, that all analog systems contain R/C networks that determine bandwidth. Many device outputs and inputs are DC decoupled by capacitors. Add resistance in between, like a passive preamp, and as you add resistance to reduce volume you also reduce bandwidth. The same is true even with volume controls inside Pre's and integrateds. Even amp inputs with input level controls. I've provided in store clinics that demonstrate this. Take a square wave (1khz - 10 khz depending on amp's specs) and look at the rise time. Since in the analog world volume is controlled by reducing the maximum voltage fed to the output, the full bit depth is still represented across that voltage range. e.g. it is a 16bit sample whether that is spread across 4 volts or .5V. So how do you change volume in the digital world? Pre- DAC conversion? Seems like only removal of bits. Even if done in DSP with mathematical manipulation, to cut the volume in half mathematically just removes the most significant bit.

[@trun1979]

Hey mate, how are those "one little bear" XLR switches?

[@wojciechczupta]

I think you may be misleading people with this passive pre comparison. In my system active pre gives sound much more energy vs passive and it has nothing to do with roll off. I guess the topic is more complex and it could be about adjusting DAC output parameters to active speakers power amps. for me passive amp is poor reference.

[@PiercingSight]

Would you be willing to do a sort of "technical audio for dummies" type series where you explain different types of audio equipment and processing, the effect they have on the signal, and what to look out for when evaluating the quality of an item? I only ask because you are obviously far more qualified than most audio review youtubers, as far as technical understanding of audio processing goes. Also, I sometimes get lost when you get into certain technical explanations, even though I used to think I was pretty savvy when it came to audio equipment. :P

[@stpetersburg7088]

Would be awesome if you gave suggestions for more budget alternatives to these things. 👍 Nice one for the vid

[@mignotmaxime2409]

So basically the Serene is an equalizer since the Goldpoint just act as a wire? Could you record the sound produced by both and analyse the graphs please? Some comment about impedance matching and buffering ; what's up with that? Cannot wait for you to compare that Holo May+Serene stack against the RME ADI2! Thanks!!

[@xyzzyx6241]

So i dont need an Pre Amp like the Serene when im using a Headphone Amp connected to my Holo Audio Dac and output Music from my iPad in terms of improve Sound Quality?

[@mrmantaray]

Hi buddy, I found your channel through your MQA video. Could you please do a video on the best lossless streaming services and how best to listen.

[@gonzaloechavarriapicatoste8050]

Great review!! Do you if Holo Serene preamp has home theather bypass?

[@Suntadyis]

When using a passive pre-amp, if a two meter cable to feed to a pair of monitors will result to a bit of treble roll-off, can I get away with a meter or 1.5 meters maybe?

[@BrentLeVasseur]

I need something like the serene as an RCA to XLR cable extender to connect my NAD T778 with the NAD M28 7 channel power amp. Is there something like that which can act as an RCA to XLR cable extender for 7 channels at the same time for a Dolby Atmos surround setup?

[@jon4715]

There are cheaper options. Schiit Freya+ would do it. Wish the Freya S were still available.

[@twoften]

Is the cable length treble roll off thing an issue for passive transformer-based volume control preamps? The technical aspects are over my head.

[@Nightjar726]

How come you didn’t do your own measurements for the Serene?

[@djzhor457]

Hey man you sound like you know your shit so I’m gonna ask you. So I have a technics turntable and I was thinking of getting an active preamp which I want to connect to my active studio monitors. From what I’ve found online there aren’t really preamps with a volume knob. So I heard I can get a passive preamp for that and put it between the active preamp and the monitor speakers. Will that work? And if yes do I need to have short cables between the passive preamp and the speakers or it doesn’t matter? I hope you could help me figure out what I need to know.

[@BruceCross]

You mentioned the Holo Serene runs in Class A. Does the chassis get hot to the touch?

[@YuriySamorodov]

Some off topic if you allow. What's the reason to keep Focal Alpha monitors upside down?

[@aceofspades6667]

Love this review! I have a use case for this with headphones. I currently have a Holo Sping KTE Dac -> Burson soloist 3XP -> abyss 1266 phi tc + focal solo 6se monitors both being fed from soloist. Now I’m told the soloist 3XP has a “power amp mode” which essentially improve the current output for balanced. However you need a separate pre amp or Dac for volume control. To notice improvement you need a volume control superior to that of the soloist to get the benefit. I have yet to try it but I bet the surene would improve the soloist and would be an improvement as a pre amp feeding my focals over the pre amp capability of the soloist.

[@titntin5178]

Gotta love the clicks!

[@barneyrubble9309]

Managed to pick one of these up for just a smidge over half price (kte version)....think i may have gotten a bit of a bargain?

[@johnlambert9423]

Interesting review - thanks! Couple of questions: 1) do the RCA sockets output at the same level (i.e. volume controlled) as the XLR outputs? I want to run a subwoofer and RCA outputs are required. 2) What cable did you use to go from the twin XLRs to headphones?

[@GoldenSound]

Heya! Yep, all the outputs operate simultaneously and volume controlled. To use headphones you need a dual-XLR3 to XLR4-female adapter. A friend of mine who made all my cables made it for me. ([e-mail])

[@johnlambert9423]

@@GoldenSound Got it - thanks! Compared to using May direct to the amplifier, and duly noting the better bass drive and flow you discussed, any other audible changes in the area of sound staging, for example?

[@GoldenSound]

@@johnlambert9423 Nope! Everything else was absolutely the same. There were a couple times where I thought I MIGHT have heard a small difference. But then when testing blind I was completely unable to pick it out.

[@sc0or]

I think this is a redundant classification for active/passive preamps. I've spent quite some time thinking about how to have "passive" and "amplifier" in one sentence, before I decided to watch this vid in my newsfeed )) Let's say, some pre-amps have more features. Because a same schematic can be found inside, but without few switches.

[@blainecollins]

New favorite channel 🔥🔥 let's throw a party at 10k subs🤘

[@AlexK-hr8uz]

Hi there Thanks for your reviews Could you please review and explain RoomPerfect on Lyngdorf TDAI-2170 or TDAI-3400 ? It confuses me how it works and I'm worried that RoomPerfect could mess-up with sound or change it the way it wasn't planed to sound by an artist Thanks again, keep it up!!!

[@HailKingCeezer]

Can you tell me if my situation could use a passive preamp or better to go with active? PC source-usb 2 spdif-Accuphase DC91 DAC -> McIntosh MC250 amp. The dc91 digital volumes sound degradation past -10ish can start to be heard and the mc250 volume pots drastically degrade performance so they need to be run max. Thanks

[@everettedl]

I wonder how this compares with the Benchmark HPA4. Especially since it can be used as a headphone amplifier too.

[@petergabriel8448]

Would love for you to test digital cables, being both coaxial and optical, to see if the less jitter claims of the prizier cables are true - and if it makes an audible difference.

[@Gilliboy82]

I have an external audio interface steinberg ur22, can I use this as preamplifier between my bluenode streamer and poweramp iotavx pa3? Or will a passive amplifier be enough in between? Should i also invest in a better dac like the shiit multibit instead of the dac from the streamer?

[@rktrkt-tw8nd]

Dac using off the shelf chips are dependent upon 32bit processing of volume so they have to implement the volume like benchmark or adi dac, some part in digital domain and some in analog domain. But if the volume control is a part of algorithm in FPGA then the accuracy is much more than 32bit and no hybrid arrangement is needed

[@solkompleksowa444]

Have you measured the phase response of the holo serene? Maybe it acts as a allpass filter, hence the differences in sound

[@teddybonkers337]

Hello Sir! Can you recommend a pre amp that have plenty of outputs so i can drive 2 pairs of powered monitors plus a powered subwoofer all at the same time?

[@GyulaWeeber]

I would be interested in your review of the Cambridge Audio CXN - I would like a preamp-dac maybe streamer and rarely see them but seems like a reasonable idea to put them in one house

[@apj.-.-.-.-.-.-.-119]

is there a complete headphone system you’d recommend for a first timer for a budget of £2500?