TRS+Standalone Preamp VS S/PDIF+Interface Preamp

Nothisworld · May 20th 2018

Hi all,

I know this may be a matter of taste to some extent, but I would like to know your opinion on which rig is theoretically better as far as tone quality preservation is concerned:

With the left-hand-side option I will have to run through a greater number of analog-to-digital conversions, as unfortunately the GAP Pre-73 does not have a SPDIF input/output.
With the right-hand side rig I can go digital right out of my KPA, but I have to settle for the built-in preamps of the Focusrite.

As far as I know, I cannot get the best of both worlds.

Many thanks all,

shodan5000 · May 21st 2018

You could do this and have the best of both worlds...

Black Lion Audio

paults · May 21st 2018

Either option will sound fine - and, neither option will make or break your song or the mix.

In other words, don’t let decisions about subtle differences in gear slow you down. Make your music happen!

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · May 21st 2018

Quote from shodan5000

You could do this and have the best of both worlds...

Black Lion Audio

I love how they think a 002 rack is just as good as an Apollo 8, haha - Really? I own both and disagree, big time!

Quote from Nothisworld

Hi all,

I know this may be a matter of taste to some extent, but I would like to know your opinion on which rig is theoretically better as far as tone quality preservation is concerned:

With the left-hand-side option I will have to run through a greater number of analog-to-digital conversions, as unfortunately the GAP Pre-73 does not have a SPDIF input/output.
With the right-hand side rig I can go digital right out of my KPA, but I have to settle for the built-in preamps of the Focusrite.

As far as I know, I cannot get the best of both worlds.

Many thanks all,

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If you like the color of the GAP go for it, but, as Paul pointed out it won't make much difference.

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