Overview
This is one of the better sounding preamps for under $2,000 now. Amazing transparency, speed and details for an affordable $1,795. As you can see from the pictures, the taken approach is simplicity with just one phono, one line and one tape loop. No tone controls either. Just music straight in and out. The phone stage actually sounded pretty good for the money and would be comparable to any other phono preamps that retails up to $2,000. It is factory optimized for MM or medium and high output MC catridges. Input impedance can be set internally with values ranging from 10 to 800 via rocker switches (much more convenient than the base DMC-10 preamp). The AUX input, where we plugged in the CD player, just highlights how adaptable the preamp is to different mediums. With its wider frequency range, the DMC-10 picked up everything the silver disc threw at it. So if your system comprised of a turntable and a CD player, the DMC-10 Gamma is an impressive preamp that sounds more like a budget reference preamp. We also have the DMC-20 preamp that retails for more than four times the price of this DMC-10 Gamma but in no way sounds four times better. In this respect, the DMC-10 Gamma is an absolute bargain. If you currently have a system that is around $10 – $15,000, go for the DMC-20 but if your system is under $8,000, the DMC-10 Gamma would be prefect. Cardas umbilical cord included.
Cosmetically, the preamp is in nice shape. Minor scuff marks/nicks from use but nothing major. Preamp will be securely packed for safe shipping.
