2. amps-preamps
  3. 1182479362

Best Preamp = No Preamp?

I'm currently looking for some DACs. I'm looking at Benchmark DAC1, Bel Canto DAC3, Slim Devices Transporter, etc...

I noticed most of these newest high performance DACs have built in volume control with remote.

I'm thinking that I can connect these DACs directly to my Power Amp skipping preamp.

Is that right thinking? Why go through additional peice of device when I can avoid? Anybody doing it that way?

What'll be the pros and cons?

eandylee

Showing 3 responses by eandylee

eandylee OP
124 posts
 
No. I only need a couple of digital inputs. One for a transport and one for computer.

What kinds of additional control would I need?

I'm wondering if there's sill added improvement using preamp as far as sound quality is concerned.
eandylee OP
124 posts
 
I guess the best answer is it depends as always...

Anyway, I just read a couple of manuals of the DACs with volume control.

Both of them kind of claiming that connecting directly to amp and using it's volume control is the best.

I guess for these DACs, better to follow the manufacturer's suggestion?

Benchmark DAC1
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/manuals/DAC1_USB_Manual.pdf

Bel Canto DAC3
http://www.belcantodesign.com/pdfs/UG_Dac3.pdf
eandylee OP
124 posts
 
"Direct Interfacing to Power Amplifiers:

The DAC1 USB is designed to interface directly to power amps and powered studio monitors in order to provide the cleanest and shortest path from the digital source to the monitor output. This often results in a substantial improvement in sound quality.

10, 20, and 30 dB pads are provided for interfacing directly to monitors and amplifiers that often have too much input sensitivity to handle high-level (+29 dBu) signal levels."

Above is from the Benchmark DAC1 manual.
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