I have one configured as a preamp into my Azur 651W power amp. The streammagic uses some form of digital attentiation to control the volume; what do folks think if this? Would inserting a traditional preamp make any difference?
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 - better with preamp?
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I can't honestly tell you whether you'd notice the difference or not but I can give you some info that might help.
I have an 851N which is basically an updated Stream Magic 6. It uses DSP to implement the volume control rather than bit reduction (which is more likely to affect quality) and I understand the Stream Magic also does. I use it through a conventional integrated amp because I also have a record palyer so I need to be able to switch sources. The amp also has a power amp direct in. I've tried the streamer in pre-amp mode directly into the power amp, and in plain streamer mode into a pre-amp channel and I couldn't tell the difference.
So unless the volume implementation on the 851N is significantly different, I don't think you'd notice any improvement.
I have an 851N which is basically an updated Stream Magic 6. It uses DSP to implement the volume control rather than bit reduction (which is more likely to affect quality) and I understand the Stream Magic also does. I use it through a conventional integrated amp because I also have a record palyer so I need to be able to switch sources. The amp also has a power amp direct in. I've tried the streamer in pre-amp mode directly into the power amp, and in plain streamer mode into a pre-amp channel and I couldn't tell the difference.
So unless the volume implementation on the 851N is significantly different, I don't think you'd notice any improvement.
Even those devices that use bit reduction to reduce volume usually do so with a processor running 32bit. Even if it is 'only' 24 bit, you can reduce volume by at least 6 bits (36dB) before having any effect on the audio data stream.
In practice, digital volume controls used towards the top end of their range are absolutely fine.
The only situation where I can imagine any issues is when the gain of the system is so high that the digital volume is used at very low settings for normal listening levels.
In practice, digital volume controls used towards the top end of their range are absolutely fine.
The only situation where I can imagine any issues is when the gain of the system is so high that the digital volume is used at very low settings for normal listening levels.
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