Hi Kerry,

Indeed, the 818v1 also has a preamp section, just like the v2. But I never used it. As a generic DAC and Sooloos endzone it is also well worth its price.

Have you seen my review? I think the 818 makes for the best digital playback short of the Rowland Aeris.

Kind regards,
CP

Rowland Model6/BPS6, Rowland Coherence II, Levinson 390S and 37, AudioAanZee Reference Flow music server, Rowland Aeris DAC, Rowland Cadence phono stage, Pass Labs Xono phono stage, Yamaha PX-2 and Thorens TD 160MKII, Transparent Ultra and Reference cables, Apogee Diva magnetostatics (refurbished).