Time to update to 2 channel stereo

[m. zillch]

We may cite DB-studies to justify our beliefs. But not everyone agrees with us.

You mean to say there are people here who are so picky they insist valid tests must be the more stringent variety, triple blind? [sarcasm]

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You mean there are people here who are so picky they insist tests must be triple blind?

Not even quadruple blind.

 

[PENG]

I don't need streaming, whatever that is. Nor do I need a DAC or CD player. And I have no idea what networking is. And the Polks go down to 25 Hz, so I don't feel i need a subwoofer. I want a pure analog 2 channel system, if that makes sense.

Schiit, made in US, has all kinds of preamps that should fit your need exact you may have to use your existing phono stage or buy one separately:

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

Or, if you are an audiophile purist type, then there's the ASR top ranking made in China one:
Topping Pre90 Review (preamplifier) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

With a preamp like the Topping Pre90, you basically have a transparent volume control and multiple I/O selections if you buy the extender. Again, such preamp would require a separate phono stage if you still listen to vinyl, but the nice thing about them (both Schiit and Topping) is that you don't have to pay for a DAC that you don't need, or you do need but want to pick your own. DACs that are build in to preamps are often (not always) of limited capabilities and performance not as good as even those $200 separate desktop (or even dongle types sometimes) DACs.

Separates may be your better bet, as there are many power amps to choose from, so you are not at the mercy of the integrated amp manufacturers.

 

[Mikado463]

You mean to say there are people here who are so picky they insist valid tests must be the more stringent variety, triple blind?

the trouble with your thinking is that those whom believe with the eyes and ears simply don't want to trust their ears only and I'm ok with that, but when when they don't believe(at all) in the power of psychoacoustics, then I throw up my hands ..........,

 

[m. zillch]

Yes, if our eyes truly had no significant influence over what our brains perceive as being exclusively from "What we hear with just our ears", then the McGurk effect wouldn't work.