GoldenSound always used the GoldPoint Passive Attenuator before he got his Serene. He used this with the May because of its “hot” output. Said he could not detect any difference with it in or out of the chain. Most of the GoldPoint Attenuators are multi-in single-out but I need a single-in 2-out so Arne at GoldPoint is going to re-wire one for me. I’ve not ordered it yet but will probably do so in the near future. If you look at the GoldPoint website the model I’m looking at is a modified SA2, the SA2R, Arne is adding it to the range.
The Bricasti M3 works very well as a pre into Envy, no issues at all with volume and that's even with IEM.
How does a CHORD DAVE work as a pre into Envy?
I’m thinking the pre-amp in the Bliss is a perfectly good starting point. You already have the Bliss so why not start there? If you did not have the Bliss and needed an active pre-amp then the Serene is supposed to be slightly better. But if you need a headphone amp that can also be a pre-amp the Bliss is probably better. However, both of these options have active gain stages and will add some ‘colour’ to the chain which might or might not be noticeable to you, or could even be better for you. The passive options have zero gain stages and therefore will be more ‘transparent’ in your chain. The Bliss is your zero cost option, the passive attenuators are relatively low cost, and the DAC with volume attenuation like the Bricasti M3 is a higher cost option. It’s not the end of the world to have such options/decisions, it’s part of why we enjoy this hobby.
No idea, never owned DAVE.
Only at show conditions with the regular Envy. I prefered even the regular Envy over both but Show conditions are a bad place to compare at that level, so take it with a good load of Salt.
Quite a few of use use the DAVE as a pre with the Envy. I like it a lot and I’m not looking to change it any time soon.
And the fact that Thanatos is the Envy No.1 fanboy.
I use Dave as a pre into Envy, much modified Crack and two 60+ year old Quad Monoblocks.
I tried Bliss as preamp it made everything bit less punchy to my ear, and there was bit more warmth. I think Serene might be better, but honestly I dont feel like Envy needs a pre-amp with May. I dont feel like the volume adjustment is limited with Sus.
What vested interest does the fanboy have? Is there ever any objectivity in this hobby? How else does one decide to buy gear for so much cash? Buy, audition, sell at a loss and move on?
Time for the WEs to take a seat on the bench!
